Wellington Phoenix have signed All White Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi on a one-year contract.
The 24 year old defensive player currently plays for Onehunga Sports in Auckland’s Lotto NRFL Premier League since a move from OFC Champions Auckland City after his debut in 2015.
Hudson-Wihongi has also represented his country in the 2015 U20 World Cup and 2015 Pacific Games where he scored in a 5-0 win over New Caledonia.
The 24-year old made his full All Whites debut in November 2015, coming on for Marco Rojas in a 1-0 win over Oman.
"I’m feeling very excited to be here and relieved as it’s been a long time coming for me," said Hudson-Wihongi.
"Last year, I faced two untimely injuries which ruled out the chance to sign so this a great moment for me and I can’t wait to make my mark here in Wellington."
In 2010, Auckland-born, Hudson-Wihongi moved to Christchurch and joined the Asia Pacific Football Academy before earning himself a move to Major League Soccer club, Real Salt Lake in 2012.
After a couple of years in the professional environment with the MLS U-18s side, Hudson-Wihongi returned to New Zealand and played for the 2015 U-20 FIFA World Cup build-up team, Wanderers SC.
He later signed for then-OFC Champions, Auckland City and appeared in the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup campaign in a 2-0 loss to J1 League, Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Having previously trialled for the club in pre-season of last year, Hudson-Wihongi is happy to have secured a contract.
Head Coach, Ufuk Talay believes Hudson-Wihongi holds plenty of talent to become a regular starter this season.
tally added: "Te Atawhai is a young player that has already experienced a lot in his career on the International and FIFA Club World Cup stage so I’m looking forward to seeing his progression on a daily basis."
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