America's Cup: Team NZ sign Australian sailing gun Nathan Outerridge for 'Auld Mug' defence

Team NZ have recruited 2012 Olympic sailing champion Nathan Outteridge for their next defence of the America’s Cup.

The Aussie is highly credentialed, winning silver in the 49er class at Rio - behind Kiwis Peter Burling and Blair Tuke - and he's a six-time world champion.

Outteridge was at the wheel for Swedish outfit Artemis during the 2017 America's Cup campaign and led Japan to the inaugural 2019 SailGP crown, sitting third place overall so far this season.

The news comes as a question mark hangs over the futures of Burling and Tuke, who have yet to commit to Team New Zealand's Cup defence, and Outteridge's arrival would see to cover their potential exit from the programme.

Newshub understands the pair won't recommit until there's clarity around the next event.

Burling and Tuke have told Stuff they welcome the signing of the Aussie sailing star, but made it clear they aren't entirely comfortable with taking the next Cup defence offshore. 

"Nathan is a great sailor, we've sailed with him throughout our careers and he's a positive addition to the team,'' they tell Stuff.

"Although we haven't yet re-signed for the next Cup campaign, we have been involved with the team since we won the cup in March.

"We've committed to telling the critical ocean and climate story through our sailing careers, and we need to make choices that will allow us to step up to this ambition.

"Obviously, we have concerns about the suitability of Jeddah [Saudi Arabia], which we have expressed to the team over the past few months. 

"We are continuing to talk with the team as they work through the detail, before we make any decisions."