Auckland Blues player Tevita Li has signed with the Highlanders for the 2017 season.

The young winger will follow in the footsteps of former Blues converts Waisake Naholo and Malakai Fekitoa.

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark says while luring players to the deep south wasn't easy a few years ago, players are now seeing the side as an attractive franchise.

He's confident the shift will work well for Li and provide him with the opportunities he's looking for to further his rugby career.