Now the Otago hooker will get to lock horns with the Sabercats, the Giltinis, the Free Jacks and the Seawolves.
Bell (23) is heading to the United States to play in Major League Rugby with the Utah Warriors, the team announced this week.
The East Otago-raised rake flourished in his first full season as an NPC starter, showing the strength and workrate befitting his loose forward background at John McGlashan College and generally being one of Otago’s biggest threats when he had the ball.
His development has clearly been noticed by someone in the neighbourhood — former Highlanders coach Greg Cooper, who heads to Utah next month for his first season with the Warriors.
Bell will miss most of the club season with Kaikorai but will return in time for the 2023 NPC.
He could well be in the frame for a Super Rugby contract by that point, so this is potentially an ideal time to experience some rugby on foreign soil for a season.
"I chose to come to the Warriors and Major League Rugby in order to experience a high level of rugby while also being able to travel and see different parts of the world," Bell said in a statement.
"Additionally, new Warriors head coach Greg Cooper is a Kiwi like myself, so that connection really made Utah stand out to me.
"I’m excited to come to Utah and continue to develop as a player in the MLR this coming year. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and teammates and just enjoying my first season with the Warriors."
Cooper was delighted to get Bell on board with his new team.
"Henry is a top bloke and a quality player," Cooper said yesterday.
"Our squad is coming together and he is a key piece of the puzzle."
Bell is coming off his best season for Otago, scoring four tries in 10 appearances (eight starts).
