Scotland international Hugh Blake joins Bay of Plenty on loan

New Zealand club Bay of Plenty Steamers has acquired the services of Scotland international Hugh Blake on loan from Pro12 club Glasgow Warriors.

Blake, who has played a solitary Test for Scotland in August 2015 will play for the Steamers in the Mitre Cup until October. Born in New Zealand and graduated from the University of Otago, Blake qualified to play for Scotland through his grandparents.

Blake has also been part of the New Zealand Under-20 team in the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship and has played for Otago between 2011 and 2014 before joining Edinburgh. He has also represented the Scotland Sevens team on six occasions.

"I am really excited to return home," said Blake on Steamers' official website.

"I was born in Tauranga and spent my early years growing up in Pongakawa. It's great to come back."

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers was pleased to have Blake in the side and hopes he can provide the cover to Mitch Karpik, who is recovering from an injury sustained while playing for the Chiefs.

"Hugh is a very talented loose forward. His international experience will be a great addition to our team especially with the uncertainty around Mitch Karpik as he recovers from his injury that he sustained playing for the Chiefs during their pre-season game in Rotorua."