Mako lock in former All Black Isaac Ross

Isaac Ross played for three Super Rugby franchises. Photo supplied

By Peter Jones [Marlborough Weekly / Marlborough App]

Former All Blacks lock Isaac Ross has been brought into the Tasman Mako rugby squad for the remainder of their Mitre 10 Cup campaign.

With 2020 All Black Quinten Strange and last year’s standout Pari Pari Parkinson ruled out of contention through injury, plus local back-up options Antonio Shalfoon and Max Hicks also struggling to shake off injuries, Ross was seen as a handy addition to the squad at a crucial time of the season.

The 35-year-old, who turned out on eight occasions for the All Blacks, has been playing with the NTT Communications Shining Arcs side in Japan since 2011 and will add vast experience to a pack that has lost a wealth of senior players from their previous campaign.

Ross followed in the footsteps of his father, Jock Ross - a 1981 All Blacks lock, when he pulled on an All Black jersey for the first time in 2009.

At domestic level Isaac represented Canterbury and has played for the Chiefs, Crusaders and Highlanders at Super Rugby level since his debut in 2007.

He has played 53 games for Canterbury, 23 for the Crusaders, nine for the Highlanders and 11 for the Chiefs, plus 83 for the Shining Arcs. 

The current locking options for the Mako, as they battle to bounce back after Sunday’s shock loss to North Harbour, are Alex Ainley, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta and Mahonri Ngakuru.