Hurricanes 2026

Canes4life

Hugo Plummer re-signs for 2 more years.

Didn't realise he was so young and out of all our locks he looks to be developing nicely.

Date of birth: 25 August 2000 (24-years-old)
Place of birth: Wellington, New Zealand
Position: Lock
Height: 1.98m
Weight: 119kg
Hurricanes Number: #310
Hurricanes Caps: 8
Hurricanes Points: 0
Playing career: Wellington (2022-present), Hurricanes (2023, 2025-present), Highlanders (2024)
Honours: 2x NPC champion (2022, 2024)

Landers92

@Landers92 said in Hurricanes 2026:

Josh Moorby back to the Hurricanes - 2 year deal to my understanding. Announcement pending, should be announced over the next week or 2.

cgrant

He could become the Canes fullback, thus allowing Love to concentrate on his 1st Five job.

DurryMexted

@cgrant said in Hurricanes 2026:

He could become the Canes fullback, thus allowing Love to concentrate on his 1st Five job.

Honestly our wing depth is our biggest issue. Who knows how Naholo will be after his knee injury, I dont rate Punivai or sinkinson, Tjay Clarke has signed overseas im pretty sure. Lock Moorby in as our 14 in my opinion. there will be a bit of shuffling as we have four 1st 5s in the squad (Cameron, Love, Godfrey, Harkin), i imagine Godfrey and Love will spend some time at 15 with Cameron and Love sharing the 10.

Even with JB back throws a bit of a spanner in the works, another option at 15 (not that i would pick him there) but all of our best backs are either 10s, midfields or fullbacks. Sullivan and Moorby will surely be focused as wings, competing with Naholo & Fineaganofo

Canes4life

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

@cgrant said in Hurricanes 2026:

He could become the Canes fullback, thus allowing Love to concentrate on his 1st Five job.

Honestly our wing depth is our biggest issue. Who knows how Naholo will be after his knee injury, I dont rate Punivai or sinkinson, Tjay Clarke has signed overseas im pretty sure. Lock Moorby in as our 14 in my opinion. there will be a bit of shuffling as we have four 1st 5s in the squad (Cameron, Love, Godfrey, Harkin), i imagine Godfrey and Love will spend some time at 15 with Cameron and Love sharing the 10.

Even with JB back throws a bit of a spanner in the works, another option at 15 (not that i would pick him there) but all of our best backs are either 10s, midfields or fullbacks. Sullivan and Moorby will surely be focused as wings, competing with Naholo & Fineaganofo

Sinkinson has left mate, I'd say the Canes will start the season with Fineanganofo and Moorby as the wing options. Fullback could be any of Love, Harkin, Godfrey or even Barrett if they decide to start Higgins at 12. Sullivan can obviously cover wing, Clarke is showing huge promise at NPC level without getting much opportunity at Super. I think we have room for one more outside back signing so maybe Tito-Harris could be a target for the Canes next year, hopefully Naholo comes back and hasn't been too hampered by that injury.

Canes4life

Updated squad list for 2026.

Hookers
A Aumua
J Devery
R Tuputupu

Props:
X Numia
T Mafileo
P Tosi
T Lomax
S Lauaki
P Rakete-Stones

Locks:
T Allen
C Delany
I Walker-Leawere
H Plummer
W Dearns

Loose forwards:
D Kirifi
P Lakai
B Iose
D Flanders
B Shields
A Poliko

Halfbacks:
C Roigard
J Vijoen
E Enari

First fives:
B Cameron
H Godfrey

Centres:
B Sullivan
B Proctor
J Barrett
R Higgins

Outside backs:
R Love
C Harkin
F Fineanganofo
N Punivai
K Naholo
T Clarke
J Moorby

DurryMexted

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

@cgrant said in Hurricanes 2026:

He could become the Canes fullback, thus allowing Love to concentrate on his 1st Five job.

Honestly our wing depth is our biggest issue. Who knows how Naholo will be after his knee injury, I dont rate Punivai or sinkinson, Tjay Clarke has signed overseas im pretty sure. Lock Moorby in as our 14 in my opinion. there will be a bit of shuffling as we have four 1st 5s in the squad (Cameron, Love, Godfrey, Harkin), i imagine Godfrey and Love will spend some time at 15 with Cameron and Love sharing the 10.

Even with JB back throws a bit of a spanner in the works, another option at 15 (not that i would pick him there) but all of our best backs are either 10s, midfields or fullbacks. Sullivan and Moorby will surely be focused as wings, competing with Naholo & Fineaganofo

Sinkinson has left mate, I'd say the Canes will start the season with Fineanganofo and Moorby as the wing options. Fullback could be any of Love, Harkin, Godfrey or even Barrett if they decide to start Higgins at 12. Sullivan can obviously cover wing, Clarke is showing huge promise at NPC level without getting much opportunity at Super. I think we have room for one more outside back signing so maybe Tito-Harris could be a target for the Canes next year, hopefully Naholo comes back and hasn't been too hampered by that injury.

Huh for some reason had thought Clarke was off overseas but now i cant see any official comms about it, must have been a rumour! Yeah be good to pick someone on form, though Kade Banks by all means was on fire last year and barely got a look in. Those Auckland wings looking bloody good.

Canes4life

There are still three positions to fill for next year, one from my understanding will go to Rova from Canterbury.

Movements so far:

Moorby has replaced Sinkinson
Harkin will come into the full squad for Banks
Dearns replaces Gallagher
Hugo Plummer has replaced Josh Taula
Riley Hohepa has been released
Lucas Cashmore has been released but doesn't need to be replaced with Cameron back in the squad.
Will Tucker has been released

Signings still to come:

1x Lock/loose forward: I would like to see the Canes sign an extra loosie to take his place. I would have loved to see us sign Akira Ieremia but I understand he's contracted to Japan.
1x Centre: * Rova to replace Umaga-Jensen (not announced)
1x Outside back: Riley Hohepa drops out, but with all of Harkin, Love, Godfrey and Cameron in the squad, there is no need to carry another First Five. I see the Canes signing an extra outside back with Naholo likely out for the early part of Super. Tito-Harris would be a great target here.

When you factor in the movements above, I think the Canes will have a stronger squad than last year, especially with the return of Jordie Barrett.

I'm also hoping Dearns loves Super Rugby so much that he decides to return after the 2027 World Cup and align himself with the Canes and potentially All Blacks leading into the 2031 event.

My preferred 23 to kick-off the season would be pretty close to the below (assuming everyone is fit). I think Laidlaw will be more conservative and start Cameron at 10, Barrett at 12 and Love at 15.

Numia
Aumua
Lomax
Walker-Leawere
Dearns
Flanders
Kirifi - I think the Canes should give him the captaincy, he is a superb leader of men.
Lakai
Roigard
Love - throw him the 10 jersey and keep him there in my view.
Fineanganofo
Higgins
Proctor
Moorby
Barrett
Devery
Mafileo
Tosi
Delany
Iose
Vijoen
Godfrey
Sullivan

DurryMexted

Looking at that is actually bloody exciting. Most of those guys have continued to improve year on year and some good combos being built. Just have to avoid the injury streak we had this year, especially in preseason and trainings which was just so bizarre

Canes4life

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

Looking at that is actually bloody exciting. Most of those guys have continued to improve year on year and some good combos being built. Just have to avoid the injury streak we had this year, especially in preseason and trainings which was just so bizarre

Hopefully we don't get the 13 odd injuries at the start of the year next season. We made a good comeback to eventually finish 4th but I'm hoping we hit the ground running next season, just like we did in 2024. Definitely have the players to do well.

DurryMexted

Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.

Canes4life

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.

I think they'll have him on their radar. We probably need another 7 in the squad personally because if Kirifi or Lakai go down we could leave ourselves short in that position.

SouthernMann

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.

I think they'll have him on their radar. We probably need another 7 in the squad personally because if Kirifi or Lakai go down we could leave ourselves short in that position.

With Flanders. Does it become a case of which one out of him and Mosese Bason do the Canes invest in. They probably need to decide between the two.

Canes4life

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.

I think they'll have him on their radar. We probably need another 7 in the squad personally because if Kirifi or Lakai go down we could leave ourselves short in that position.

With Flanders. Does it become a case of which one out of him and Mosese Bason do the Canes invest in. They probably need to decide between the two.

Maybe they offer Flanders a fulltime gig next season and Bason a wider training position. I feel like next year will be Shield's last so Bason could take his position when he leaves.

SouthernMann

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.

I think they'll have him on their radar. We probably need another 7 in the squad personally because if Kirifi or Lakai go down we could leave ourselves short in that position.

With Flanders. Does it become a case of which one out of him and Mosese Bason do the Canes invest in. They probably need to decide between the two.

Maybe they offer Flanders a fulltime gig next season and Bason a wider training position. I feel like next year will be Shield's last so Bason could take his position when he leaves.

Then rolling the dice hoping no one else comes knocking prior to 2027. It is one of the shortcomings with the Super system. Outside full contracts, outside promises of future deals. Teams can't lock down future talent.

Canes4life

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.

I think they'll have him on their radar. We probably need another 7 in the squad personally because if Kirifi or Lakai go down we could leave ourselves short in that position.

With Flanders. Does it become a case of which one out of him and Mosese Bason do the Canes invest in. They probably need to decide between the two.

Maybe they offer Flanders a fulltime gig next season and Bason a wider training position. I feel like next year will be Shield's last so Bason could take his position when he leaves.

Then rolling the dice hoping no one else comes knocking prior to 2027. It is one of the shortcomings with the Super system. Outside full contracts, outside promises of future deals. Teams can't lock down future talent.

The Canes had their eyes on Patrick Tuifua before he decided to go back to France so maybe Bason is a like for like player that they have their eyes on. They may lock him down, and have Flanders as that wider group guy. Will be interesting to see how it pans out.

SouthernMann

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.

I think they'll have him on their radar. We probably need another 7 in the squad personally because if Kirifi or Lakai go down we could leave ourselves short in that position.

With Flanders. Does it become a case of which one out of him and Mosese Bason do the Canes invest in. They probably need to decide between the two.

Maybe they offer Flanders a fulltime gig next season and Bason a wider training position. I feel like next year will be Shield's last so Bason could take his position when he leaves.

Then rolling the dice hoping no one else comes knocking prior to 2027. It is one of the shortcomings with the Super system. Outside full contracts, outside promises of future deals. Teams can't lock down future talent.

The Canes had their eyes on Patrick Tuifua before he decided to go back to France so maybe Bason is a like for like player that they have their eyes on. They may lock him down, and have Flanders as that wider group guy. Will be interesting to see how it pans out.

What I'm trying to say is that which ever one the Canes decide not to contract could pick up full contract elsewhere. So it is a balancing act of which one do they let test the market.

Canes4life

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.

I think they'll have him on their radar. We probably need another 7 in the squad personally because if Kirifi or Lakai go down we could leave ourselves short in that position.

With Flanders. Does it become a case of which one out of him and Mosese Bason do the Canes invest in. They probably need to decide between the two.

Maybe they offer Flanders a fulltime gig next season and Bason a wider training position. I feel like next year will be Shield's last so Bason could take his position when he leaves.

Then rolling the dice hoping no one else comes knocking prior to 2027. It is one of the shortcomings with the Super system. Outside full contracts, outside promises of future deals. Teams can't lock down future talent.

The Canes had their eyes on Patrick Tuifua before he decided to go back to France so maybe Bason is a like for like player that they have their eyes on. They may lock him down, and have Flanders as that wider group guy. Will be interesting to see how it pans out.

What I'm trying to say is that which ever one the Canes decide not to contract could pick up full contract elsewhere. So it is a balancing act of which one do they let test the market.

What sides are dying out for a 7? And what sides are after a 8 that can play 6?

Chris

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.

I think they'll have him on their radar. We probably need another 7 in the squad personally because if Kirifi or Lakai go down we could leave ourselves short in that position.

With Flanders. Does it become a case of which one out of him and Mosese Bason do the Canes invest in. They probably need to decide between the two.

Maybe they offer Flanders a fulltime gig next season and Bason a wider training position. I feel like next year will be Shield's last so Bason could take his position when he leaves.

Then rolling the dice hoping no one else comes knocking prior to 2027. It is one of the shortcomings with the Super system. Outside full contracts, outside promises of future deals. Teams can't lock down future talent.

The Canes had their eyes on Patrick Tuifua before he decided to go back to France so maybe Bason is a like for like player that they have their eyes on. They may lock him down, and have Flanders as that wider group guy. Will be interesting to see how it pans out.

What I'm trying to say is that which ever one the Canes decide not to contract could pick up full contract elsewhere. So it is a balancing act of which one do they let test the market.

What sides are dying out for a 7? And what sides are after a 8 that can play 6?

Crusaders maybe looking for a 7 depending on if Mathis signs if he does where they see him 7 or Wing or a hybrid.

Canes4life

@Chris said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:

Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.

I think they'll have him on their radar. We probably need another 7 in the squad personally because if Kirifi or Lakai go down we could leave ourselves short in that position.

With Flanders. Does it become a case of which one out of him and Mosese Bason do the Canes invest in. They probably need to decide between the two.

Maybe they offer Flanders a fulltime gig next season and Bason a wider training position. I feel like next year will be Shield's last so Bason could take his position when he leaves.

Then rolling the dice hoping no one else comes knocking prior to 2027. It is one of the shortcomings with the Super system. Outside full contracts, outside promises of future deals. Teams can't lock down future talent.

The Canes had their eyes on Patrick Tuifua before he decided to go back to France so maybe Bason is a like for like player that they have their eyes on. They may lock him down, and have Flanders as that wider group guy. Will be interesting to see how it pans out.

What I'm trying to say is that which ever one the Canes decide not to contract could pick up full contract elsewhere. So it is a balancing act of which one do they let test the market.

What sides are dying out for a 7? And what sides are after a 8 that can play 6?

Crusaders maybe looking for a 7 depending on if Mathis signs if he does where they see him 7 or Wing or a hybrid.

I know he's mentioned he'd rather play at 7 moving forward so it will be interesting to see if he signs as a 7. I can see him being a quality pick for Fantasy sides moving forward.

The Silver Fern

Hurricanes 2026