Western Force sign former All Black Richard Kahui

Western Force have announced the signing of former All Blacks Richard Kahui for the ongoing Super Rugby AU competition.

Kahui started his professional rugby career with Waikato in 2004 and two years later made his Super Rugby debut for Highlanders in 2006 before heading back to Chiefs in 2007.

He has been part of Japan's Toshiba Brave Lupus since 2013 but with the Top League cancelled this season due to the pandemic coronavirus, the 35-year-old agreed for a contract with Western Force.

“With 68 Super Rugby caps and a number of domestic and international honours to his name, Kahui is another quality signing for us,” Force Head of Rugby Matt Hodgson said in a statement on Tuesday.

"His knowledge of the game, defensive ability and the level of professionalism he brings to training will be huge for our season, we can’t wait to see him out there in the blue and black."

Kahui played 17 Tests for New Zealand and was part of the side's victorious World Cup campaign in 2011. He also enjoyed Super Rugby title win with Chiefs in the 2012 season.

Force started their Super Rugby AU campaign with a 23-14 defeat against Waratahs and will face Queensland Reds next on Friday in Brisbane.