The 28-year-old comes from strong rugby stock, with three All Blacks in his family
Ere Enari celebrates with Hurricanes team-mates(Image: Getty Images)
The Dragons have completed the signing of Samoa scrum-half Ere Enari from the Hurricanes.
The Auckland-born half-back has been a regular for the table-topping Super Rugby side this season, making 12 appearances for the Wellington outfit. The announcement is a timely one – coming just days after he starred in a comprehensive 47-24 victory over the Blues in Auckland.
While he has largely played second-fiddle to All Black Cam Roigard in Wellington, the way he stepped up at Eden Park on the weekend bodes well for his move to Wales later this year.
“After ten years of Provincial and Super Rugby in New Zealand my wife and I are looking forward to a stepping into a new season in Wales,” said Enari upon signing with the Men of Gwent.
“There are some familiar faces there which will be awesome, but we also can’t wait to make new connections with teammates, partners and the Dragons supporters.
“I’ve heard how passionate the people of Gwent are, so I can’t wait to experience playing for them and learning more about the Welsh culture.
“God has blessed us with this opportunity so we’ll do all we can to serve the team and enjoy this new season ahead of us.”
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Prior to his time with the Hurricanes, the 28-year-old played for the Crusaders and Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby – playing 57 times in total in the competition.
During his five seasons in Christchurch, the Crusaders won five consecutive titles – although the scrum-half made just nine appearances during his time there.
Enari has also had spells with Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship – winning the league twice with Canterbury.
The first, in 2016, was under former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, while the second the following year was under one-time Scarlets boss Glenn Delaney. He also reached two NPC semi-finals and two quarter-finals with Hawke’s Bay.
He would also play under Robertson with New Zealand U20s. Having been part of the schoolboys and universities sides, he was named U20s vice-captain for their dominant World Championships campaign, during which they hammered England 64-17 in the final.
Enari played alongside his cousin, current All Black Caleb Clarke, in that U20s side.
Two of his uncles, Michael Jones and Clarke’s father Eroni, are former New Zealand internationals.
Enari – who is of Samoan and Māori descent – was named in the Samoa squad for the first time in 2022.
He featured in the 2023 World Cup in France, having gone on to win 10 international caps to date.
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He joins wing Anzelo Tuitavuki and back-row Terrell Peita as the Dragons’ new signings ahead of next season, as the club look to build on an improved season that saw them reach the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
“We’re excited to welcome Ere to Dragons,” said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia.
“He arrives with Super Rugby experience after spells at Crusaders, Moana Pasifika and most recently Hurricanes while he brings international pedigree from his time with Samoa.
“Ere will be determined to make a big impression in a new competition as he competes with the likes of Che Hope and Rhodri Williams. He’ll also be keen to help our Academy players and the next generation of talent we have coming through.
“Ere is a good man, somebody who understands the importance of grassroots and the community he’s in.
“He will immerse himself in the culture and the people of Gwent and we want our fans to embrace him, get to know him and enjoy watching him.”
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