Dunedin - Former Highlanders, Mike Delany and Hale T-Pole have both rejoined the Dunedin-based franchise as cover for the injury-hit squad.
 
According to the allblacks.com website, Delany, a Highlander in 2008 has been playing rugby in Japan and will cover the flyhalf position, following serious injuries to both Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga.

Delany played nine games for the Highlanders in 2008 before heading to the Chiefs in 2009 where he made 22 appearances over three seasons before heading to Japan at the end of the 2011 season. Delany was selected for the All Blacks in 2010 and played one Test match against Italy in Milan.

A former Otago and Southland representative, T-Pole has joined the squad as temporary cover for loose forward John Hardie, who has sustained a season-ending foot injury.

T-Pole made his debut for the Highlanders in 2004 against the Cats and then went on to play 19 games for the Highlanders between 2004 and 2007. He has been playing in Japan since 2008, most recently for the Ricoh Black Rams.

He will be on a three-week contract that will be reviewed at the end of that time.