Hurricanes 2025
-
Thought I'd start a new thread for the Canes in 2025 now that the Super season is officially over.
We've already got a large chunk of the squad signed up for next year, including the return of Ardie Savea. Jordie Barrett is off to Leinster for a season so there's a big opportunity for Riley Higgins to take a step up in his absence.
We've recently heard Zac Gallagher has signed for next year, and Justin Sangster is heading to Japan. I'm pretty happy how we are looking in the forwards for next year but I'd like us to recruit a solid back-up to Asafo Aumua.
The backs is where our issues lie. Halfbacks are very solid with the liklihood that Vijoen will be signed as the third halfback behind Roigard and Perenara.
We have Cameron and Godfrey as first five options signed up but I feel like we should try and go for someone like Sullivan who has ambitions to play 10 but won't get that chance at the Blues.
At centre we are fairly solid, Higgins will need to step up in Barrett's absence as already mentioned and Umaga-Jensen/Sullivan will need to get back to their best.
Love is a lock at fullback but I think we need some back-up there just incase he gets injured.
Wing is probably the biggest problem area for the Canes, Moorby is heading to France and Rayasi/Naholo remain un-signed. I'd say a few candidates will put their hand up from the NPC but to remain a title contender we have to recruit well here.
Interesting times ahead for the Canes. I think next year's side will be more of a threat than this year's side and expectation to bring a title back to the Canes region will lift with Savea likely to captain the side again. Keeping Roigard fit will be massive for our ambitions next year, hopefully he can get back to his best aswell.
-
One other key will be finding a VG backs assistant coach. Who picks on form and finds a VG 1st. I wonder if Jane is an option
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2025:
One other key will be finding a VG backs assistant coach. Who picks on form and finds a VG 1st. I wonder if Jane is an option
I feel like the Canes need to part ways with Jane. He’s been in the environment too long now after going straight in there after being a player. I feel like our backs need a new voice from a defensive perspective.
-
I've gone through the potential squad for 2025 and listed everyone signed up so far with contract extensions in brackets. I've also put names of the players I think will fill those positions.
Hurricanes Squad 2025 - signed so far
Props:
T Lomax (2026)
X Numia (2025)
T Mafileo (2026)
P Tosi (2026)
S Lauaki (2025)
P Rakete-Stones (2025)Hookers:
A Aumua (2025)Locks
Z Gallagher (2025)
C Delany (2027)
I Walker-Leawere (2026)
T Allen (2026)Loose forwards:
P Lakai (2027)
D Flanders (2026)
B Iose (2027)
B Shields (2026)
D Kirifi (2025)
P Tuifua (rumours are that he's spurned offers from France and wants to stay loyal to the Canes).Halfbacks:
C Roigard (2027)
J Vijoen (2026)First fives:
H Godfrey (2027)
S Perofeta (many on the Fern believe this is a done deal, a massive coup for the Canes if true).Centres:
R Higgins (2026)
B Proctor (2025)
P Umaga-Jensen (2026)
B Sullivan (2025)Wings:
D Sinkinson (2025)
K Banks (2025)
N Punivai (2026)Fullbacks:
R Love (2025)
T Clarke (2025) -
@frugby said in Hurricanes 2025:
Gallagher?!
Yes. I posted this into the Hurricanes 2024 thread the other day, that is where @Canes4life is getting that from.
-
Zarn Sullivan's future surely the most exciting off-season move to watch. If Stevenson is leaving the Chiefs will want him, Canes and Crusaders could take him as a potential first five, and the Blues will obviously want to keep him.
The Highlanders even have a vacancy at 10 - could quite possibly have the pick of whatever franchise he wants!
-
Zarn Sullivan's future surely the most exciting off-season move to watch. If Stevenson is leaving the Chiefs will want him, Canes and Crusaders could take him as a potential first five, and the Blues will obviously want to keep him.
The Highlanders even have a vacancy at 10 - could quite possibly have the pick of whatever franchise he wants!
-
@george33 said in Hurricanes 2025:
@frugby were is Stephenson going?
On the Chiefs thread it was mentioned he was going? Maybe seeking an early release to go to league because he hasn't cracked the ABs.
-
@mikey07 said in Hurricanes 2025:
Good news
https://www.hurricanes.co.nz/news/article/rising-star-peter-lakai-re-signs-with-the-hurricanesMassive signing. Long term Hurricane and hopefully long term AB.
Have updated the signed list above.
-
Lakai on lock........
https://twitter.com/hurricanesrugby/status/1805341679177859252
-
@mikey07 said in Hurricanes 2025:
Good news
https://www.hurricanes.co.nz/news/article/rising-star-peter-lakai-re-signs-with-the-hurricanesMassive signing. Long term Hurricane and hopefully long term AB.
Have updated the signed list above.
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2025:
@mikey07 said in Hurricanes 2025:
Good news
https://www.hurricanes.co.nz/news/article/rising-star-peter-lakai-re-signs-with-the-hurricanesMassive signing. Long term Hurricane and hopefully long term AB.
Have updated the signed list above.
Can you attach this list to the first post
edit
I would keep James O'Reilly and Raymond Tuputupu. Tupututu after a shaky Brumbies performance started to look an excellent prospect. Until his ridiculous red card
How good is Bason? With injuries we need to really have 4 hookers
https://all.rugby/player/james-o-reilly
-
Crusaders confirmation of Zach heading to the Canes.
-
-
Signed for one year only.
@Canes4life one year trial?
-
With Gallagher coming in I'd be tempted to move Delany back to 6 where he was very good for Wellington when they won the NPC a few years ago. He's a great carrier of the ball, our best lineout forward and I'm sure he can bring his physical attributes to that role. It then means we can shift Delany to lock late in the game and bring on both Flanders and Iose for impact.
-
Talking to a mate that's close to Ories rugby and he said Roderick Solo is interested in coming back into 15s after having a rough year in sevens. Hopefully the Canes look at him. He's a huge talent but may need to put on a little beef for Super. Hopefully Wellington have signed him up for the NPC.
-
Signed for one year only.
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2025:
Signed for one year only.
But but but, what about my mindless speculation and half truths… guess I’m not just saying things to just say it yet again huh.
Great signing for the canes, getting a great player but also a great man. A win win.
