Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has made significant changes to the squad for the upcoming season, inviting nine new players to join the team. Among the new signings is Brett Cameron, although he will undergo an extensive rehabilitation process due to an ACL injury. In a notable reunification, Riley Hohepa returns to the Hurricanes after spending a season with the Crusaders.
Additionally, two locks from the South Island have transferred north—Will Tucker from the Highlanders and Zach Gallagher from the Crusaders. Ere Enari joins the Hurricanes after three seasons with Moana Pasifika. The roster also welcomes newcomers Tjay Clarke, Kade Banks, Arese Poliko, Fehi Fineanganofo, and Lucas Cashmore, who will strive to make their mark in the league.
Laidlaw faces the challenge of finding new leadership after the departure of key players like All Blacks Jordie Barrett and TJ Perenara. Although Barrett will return after a season overseas in Ireland, his absence opens opportunities for emerging talents such as Riley Higgins to step into significant roles in the midfield. The exit of Josh Moorby further clears the path for rookies Clarke and Banks to prove their potential and compete for a spot in the back three.
Hurricanes 2024 Squad includes: Tom Allen, Asafo Aumua, Kade Banks, Brett Cameron, Lucas Cashmore, Tjay Clarke, Caleb Delany, Jacob Devery, Ereatara Enari, Fehi Fineanganofo, Devan Flanders, Zach Gallagher, Harry Godfrey, Riley Higgins, Riley Hohepa, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Ruben Love, Tevita Mafileo, Kini Naholo, Xavier Numia, Arese Poliko, Billy Proctor, Ngatungane Punivai, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Cam Roigard, Brad Shields, Daniel Sinkinson, Bailyn Sullivan, Josh Taula, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Raymond Tuputupu, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Jordi Viljoen, Isaia Walker-Leawere.
This transformation of the Hurricanes roster presents a promising opportunity for both seasoned players and fresh talent to develop the team’s competitiveness in the league. With a blend of experience and youth, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead as the Hurricanes aim to establish a stronger squad to contend for success in the Super Rugby season.
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