Michael Paterson has given up on his All Black hopes to sign for the Blues

Cardiff Blues have signed New Zealander Michael Paterson from Super 14 side the Hurricanes on a three-year deal.

Lock/blindside flanker Paterson is reported to have been a New Zealand squad contender this year.

But his decision join fellow Kiwis Casey Laulala, Ben Blair and Paul Tito to the Blues ends his All Blacks hopes.

Paterson said: "I am thoroughly looking forward to the opportunity of being over there with the New Zealand lads that are playing in Cardiff."

The move comes amid speculation that number eight Xavier Rush wants to stay at the Blues rather than join Ulster, whom he earlier agreed to join.

The three-year length of Paterson's deal allows the Blues to regard him as a Welsh-qualified player in waiting.

606: DEBATE Paterson is not a big name so won't attract bums on seats for the Blues and he is potentially denying a good young Welsh player AsterixtheGog

That means his presence will not break the non-Welsh qualified players' quota agreed between Wales' regions and the Welsh Rugby Union.

Blues boss Dai Young said: Speaking of the signing Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young said,

"We are proud of our record of developing young Welsh talent at the Blues which was very evident with our three try scorers in the Amlin Cup final.

"Bradley Davies, Leigh Halfpenny and Jamie Roberts are all young Welsh players who we have helped nurture."

"However, we also aim to strengthen our squad with quality signings and Michael is certainly that.

"He is an experienced rugby player having played for the Crusaders and Hurricanes in the Super 14.

"He is sure to strengthen our back row and second row options and will also be available to us during the international periods.

"Having won the Amlin Cup this season we are aiming to build on that success and look forward to welcoming Michael to Wales."

Paterson said: "I have had some pretty sleepless nights over the last couple of weeks.

"At the end of the day, I had to put a mark in the sand and I have just run with it.

"And now I am thoroughly looking forward to the opportunity of being over there with the New Zealand lads that are playing in Cardiff."

Paterson moved to the Hurricanes this year after three seasons at the Crusaders.

Ex-Wales coach Steve Hansen indicated at the All Blacks' squad announcement on Sunday that Paterson had been under consideration for forthcoming Tests against Ireland and Wales.

"At the end of the day, I had to go to make my own future certain," said Paterson.

"I guess it was a bit uncertain here and now I have got some certainty for the next three years.

We just don't have the population here [New Zealand] to support big salaries Cardiff Blues recruit Michael Paterson

"In New Zealand, I was going to have to make another decision about where I was going to play my NPC, because that was still up in the air.

"And then there was the Super 14."

Paterson discussed the move with ex-All Black Laulala before making his decision and has no ill-feelings to New Zealand Rugby Union bosses who find they cannot compete with overseas wage offers.

Paterson said: "At the end of the day, rugby players in New Zealand get paid very well.

"And to do something we love and get paid for is a great opportunity.

"I guess the opportunities abroad are probably a bit greater than what they are here, but we just don't have the population here to support big salaries."

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