Mathewson & King join Weepu at King Country

Two more former All Blacks will join Piri Weepu in the Heartland Championship this season.

King Country has signed four test halfback Alby Mathewson while Mid Canterbury have one-test midfielder Regan King in their ranks.

While they never played for the All Blacks together Mathewson and King, were teammates briefly in Wales, turning out for the Scarlets in the Pro12 championship. 

The 36-year-old King is an old mate of co-coach Craig Dunlea having played together in the United Kingdom.

Last month Wairarapa Bush confirmed 33-year-old, 71 test veteran Weepu in their squad.

King, 36, played his only test for the All Blacks in 2002 against Wales.

King then moved to Wales, making 141 appearances for the Llanelli Scarlets, scoring 37 tries.

After another short stint in France he returned to Wales and made headlines again in 2015 when he played with his 18-year-old son Jacob Cowley for the Scarlets.

Mathewson is another rugby nomad, since playing his four All Black tests in 2010.

His most recent journey was to England trying to unsuccessfully help save relegation battlers Bristol.

The 31-year-old has spent nine years in Super Rugby, representing the Hurricanes, Blues and Western Force.

His provincial duties in New Zealand include turning out for Wellington, Auckland, Hawke's Bay and Canterbury.

King's first official outing in Mid Canterbury colours will be their Ranfurly Shield