All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu has signed a one-year contract with the Auckland-based Blues for the 2012 Super Rugby compeitition, continuing an exodus of top players from the Hurricanes.

Weepu follows New Zealand teammate Ma'a Nonu to the Blues and joins fellow internationals Andrew Hore, Aaron Cruden and Nonnu in quitting the Hurricanes since the end of the recent Super Rugby season.

All Blacks wingers Cory Jane and Hosea Gear are also considering offers to leave the Hurricanes.

Senior players became concerned when first-season coach Mark Hammett decided midway through last season that Hore and Nonu would not be offered new contracts.

Weepu says the treatement of Hore and Nonu had played "a minor part" in his decision to leave.

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