The Hamburg Polo Club succeeded in a superb transfer coup during the Corona mandatory break.Kane Russell (28) and Blair Tarrant (29) are two New Zealand international players who have joined the Hamburger Polo Club

Both players come from the HC Rotterdam from the hoofd class to the hockey league. Since the game will be suspended until at least July 31, the two “Black Sticks” will be in the Hamburg squad as soon as the game continues.

Kane Russell is considered one of the best full-backs in the world. The 28-year-old has a very strong penalty area. Russell has scored 70 goals in 170 appearances for New Zealand. In the 2018–19 season he won the Belgian national title with Léopold.

His teammate and friend Blair Tarrant is captain of the New Zealand national team and also at home in the defense. The 29-year-old has 212 appearances and 4 goals in the national jersey. Tarrant has been a fixture on Rotterdam’s defensive for the past four seasons. Both players have agreed to play for the next two years.

Matthias Witthaus (Head Coach Polo Club):

“We are of course very happy that we were able to convince two top international players of the Polo Club. Her particularly good mentality will not only help our team, but also the whole club to develop further. Kane and Blair are two really nice guys who will give our defense against Mathias Müller the necessary stability. Kane’s penalty area strength will also open up completely new possibilities for us. Overall, Kane and Blair are two super important reinforcements that I’m really looking forward to! ”

Kane Russell: “For me, the personal conversations with Witti and the people in charge of the Polo Club were the decisive factor. I felt pretty quickly that it would fit very well. I am convinced that I am in very good hands here and that we can take the next step forward in the coming seasons. I am looking forward to Hamburg and the team and hope that hockey can start again soon. ”

Blair Tarrant: “I’ve played for Rotterdam for the past four years and now it was just time to do something new and exciting. The journey from the Ham-burger Polo Club is impressive and I would like to use my experience to help the team continue to make positive headlines. I am particularly looking forward to working with the coach and the team. It will certainly be a very exciting and good time. “