Banks & Ainley join Highlanders [Fairfax]
Premiership finalists Tasman will have a hefty influence on next year's Highlanders team after two more Makos and a Taranaki flyer were confirmed for 2015.
First-five Marty Banks and veteran lock Alex Ainley will join Makos team-mates Shane Christie, Joe Wheeler and Ross Geldenhuys in Dunedin next year.
The Highlanders have also confirmed the signing of Taranaki wing Waisake Naholo, who has been released from his Blues contract to join the southern franchise.
Banks, who has scored 145 points for Tasman this season, heads south after a season with the Hurricanes, while 33-year-old Ainley returned to the Tasman team after three seasons with the Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Japan.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said he was looking for players who would add to the franchise's environment, as well as contribute on the field.
"All these guys have great character and will add value to the team," he said.
"Ainley's experience and uncompromising play will be a great asset up front and Naholo and Banks will help round out [our] backline stocks."
The Highlanders also confirmed they have been in talks with Hawke's Bay wing Ryan Tongia but said nothing has been signed yet.
Meanwhile, Southland midfielder Willis Halaholo has been linked with the Hurricanes for next season.
Halaholo could not be reached yesterday, while the Hurricanes preferred not to comment.
New Zealand's five Super Rugby squads will be confirmed next week.
