Bath have confirmed that Robbie Fruean will be joining the club at the culmination of this year’s Mitre 10 Cup, in which he is competing with Hawkes Bay.
A physically imposing centre or wing, 28-year-old Fruean has represented both the Hurricanes and the Chiefs in Super Rugby, as well earning over 60 caps for the Crusaders.
In 2007 he represented New Zealand in the U19s World Cup and was subsequently named the IRB World Player of the Year.
He said: “Whilst my focus for the time being is still on the Mitre 10 Cup with Hawkes Bay, I’m really looking forward to getting over to Bath and getting started.
“It will be a new challenge for me – the Aviva Premiership is such a tough league, but Bath have had a good start, and I know that being over there and competing in it will bring out the best in me.”
“We are really excited that Robbie has agreed to join us here at Bath,” said Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder.
“Tabai and I know him very well from his time at the Crusaders, and he is the kind of player we know will fit right in with the squad we have here, both on and off the field.”