The Crusaders have confirmed their latest signing... and it's veteran Australian playmaker James O'Connor

The 34 year old comes in on a one-year deal for next year's Super Rugby Pacific season.

O'Connor's last test was in 2022... he joins from the Queensland Reds.

Meanwhile, a shock retirement for Black Ferns back Grace Steinmetz.

The 26 year old has posted on social media that she has a brain injury and needs to "medically retire and never play rugby again".

Steinmetz has one cap for New Zealand in 2022 and has played for the South Island's Matatu and the Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki, as well as Canterbury in the domestic Farah Palmer Cup.

In the men's provincial competition, Northland host a desperate Otago side tonight in their final round-robin game in Whangarei, kickoff
7.05pm, live commentary on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio.

NPC COVERAGE WITH GALLAGHER INSURANCE. NATIONAL INSURANCE PARTNER OF THE PROVINCIAL RUGBY UNION GROUP