Director of Rugby Mark Hammett believes new signing Rey Lee-Lo can be a huge asset to Cardiff Blues - after confirmation he will be reunited with his former centre later this year.
Hammett was coach of the Hurricanes when Lee-Lo first burst onto the Super Rugby scene in 2013 and helped guide the centre through his maiden season.
The pair will now work together at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park after Cardiff Blues announced that Samoa international Lee-Lo would move to the region on a long-term contract once he completes his forthcoming campaign with the Hurricanes.
And Hammett has revealed the assets that Lee-Lo – who made his international debut for Samoa last autumn - will bring to the Blues.
He said: “Rey is a player I know really well from our time together at the Hurricanes and I’m sure he will be a big asset to Cardiff Blues.
“One of his big strengths is that he’s a powerful man while also being extremely agile and playing with real speed to his game. He’s aggressive and, like many Polynesians, enjoys the contact area.
“I coached Rey at the Hurricanes back in 2013 when he was voted rookie of the year. That is no small feat when you consider he was competing against the likes of Conrad Smith and Tim Bateman, both outstanding players, for a starting spot in the team.
“Rey has improved every season and also learnt a great deal from his time spent with Tana Umaga at Counties Manukau. He will be determined to take this opportunity at Blues and be a big success in Wales.”