Super Rugby
Ihaia West joins the Blues
April 14, 2014
Hawke's Bay's Ihaia West takes a hard tackle, Otago v Hawke's Bay, ITM Cup, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, October 20, 2013
Ihaia West hopes to make the most of his time at the Blues © Getty Images
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Maori All Blacks fly-half Ihaia West has been called into the Blues to replace the injured Baden Kerr, who has been ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season.

After fracturing a bone at the base of his thumb in a pre-season match, 24-year-old Kerr then fractured two fingers playing rugby for his club side Karaka last month. The resulting surgery has ruled him out of action for at least 12 weeks.

"It's certainly really disappointing to be ruled out for the season," Kerr said. "But now the decision has been made, I've just got to look at it positively, get in behind the boys and support them and make sure I can still be a positive contributor to the team."

West, 22, said he was looking forward to making the most of his chance at the Blues.

"I'm looking forward to putting my head down, working really hard and hopefully if an opportunity to play arises I can take it with both hands."

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan said while it was disappointing to lose a player of Kerr's quality, West offered a quality replacement.

"He's a naturally attacking 10 and he brings a bit of X-factor so that excites me. I think he can bring another dimension to the game."

© AAP

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