Hurricanes (rugby union)

New Zealand rugby union club, based in Wellington

Rugby team

Hurricanes

Union| New Zealand Rugby Union
Nickname(s)| The 'Canes
Founded| 1996; 29 years ago (1996)
Location| Wellington, New Zealand; Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand; Hawke's Bay, New Zealand; Gisborne, New Zealand
Region| Hawke's Bay
Horowhenua Kapiti
Manawatū
Poverty Bay
Wairarapa-Bush
Whanganui
Wellington
Ground(s)| Sky Stadium, Central Energy Trust Arena, McLean Park (Capacity: 34,500; 15,000; 19,700)
Coach(es)| Clark Laidlaw
Captain(s)| Asafo Aumua
Du'Plessis Kirifi
Billy Proctor
Brad Shields
Most caps| TJ Perenara (155)
Top scorer| Beauden Barrett (1,240)
Most tries| TJ Perenara (65)
League(s)| Super Rugby Pacific
2025| 4th overall
Playoffs: Qualifying-finalists

Team kit

2nd kit

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Official website
www.hurricanes.co.nz

The Hurricanes (/ˈhʌrɪkeɪnz/ HURR-ik-aynz;[1] Māori: Hau Āwhiowhio;[2] formerly the Wellington Hurricanes) is a New Zealand professional men's rugby union team based in Wellington that competes in Super Rugby. The Hurricanes were formed to represent the lower North Island, including the East Coast, Hawke's Bay, Horowhenua Kapiti, Manawatū, Poverty Bay, Taranaki, Wairarapa-Bush, Wanganui and Wellington unions. They currently play at Sky Stadium (formerly named Westpac Stadium), having previously played at the now-defunct Athletic Park.[3]

The Hurricanes had a poor first season in 1996's Super 12, but rebounded in 1997 with a third placing. The team did not reach the play-offs for another five years as they struggled in the bottom four of the table. Since 2003 the Hurricanes have made the post-season play-offs seven times out of fourteen seasons, including the 2006 final, which they lost in foggy weather against the Crusaders 19–12. After hosting but failing to win the final in 2015, the 2016 season was the Hurricanes' best season to date. They won the final 20–3 against the Lions, after again finishing the regular season first and hosting the final.

## History

[edit]

### Early years: 1996–1997

[edit]

The Hurricanes were formed in 1996 as one of five New Zealand Super 12 teams, and were originally called the Wellington Hurricanes. The team's first coach was former All Black Frank Oliver, while Bull Allen was named as captain. Their first match, played at Palmerston North Showgrounds against the Auckland Blues, was the first ever Super 12 match. They lost it 36–28. The team performed below expectations in the inaugural year of the competition and finished ninth. In 1997 the team made the semi-finals, losing in Canberra to the ACT Brumbies. However the consistent form shown during this season would not be seen again for many years.

### Expect the unexpected: 1998–2002

[edit]

Following their 1997 season, the Hurricanes failed to qualify for the semi-finals until 2003. Despite this, they were still known for the attacking nature of their backline that included the All Blacks stars Tana Umaga and Christian Cullen. The team played with flair and could score at any moment, whatever their position on the field, giving rise to the teams catch cry of 'expect the unexpected'. However the team struggled for consistent performances and at crunch time in matches, leading to patchy form and results.

After the 1999 World Cup, Jonah Lomu's contract with the NZRU expired he was linked to many clubs around the world, in rugby league as well as union and also the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.[4] On 23 November 1999 it was announced that the winger had re-signed with the NZRU and agreed terms with the Wellington Rugby Union, despite a reported £1.1 million offer by Bristol.[4][5] The move to the Wellington union meant he could be included in the protected group of players for the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes also opened 2000 with a new stadium. The highlights of that year included the victory over eventual champions the Crusaders, 41–29, in front of a packed house. At the end of the season the Hurricanes still had a chance of making the semis and only had to beat the Bulls to stay in contention. However, the Hurricanes played one of their worst games of the year, losing the match to one of the worst performing teams at that point in the competition's history and lost the possibility of qualifying for the semi-finals. The team finished eighth on the table.

Despite the Wellington Lions (whom most of the Hurricanes squad were chosen from) winning the 2000 NPC,[6] the Hurricanes finished ninth in the final standings in 2001; one worse than the year before. Another ninth placing in 2002 resulted in Graham Mourie, who had led the team since 2000, resigning.[7]

### New era: since 2003

[edit]

This section needs expansion with: Information from 2006 onward. You can help by adding to it. (September 2011)

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The Hurricanes playing the Highlanders at Wellington Regional Stadium in 2006

In spite of reports that Colin Cooper, the then Crusaders assistant-coach, had said he was "not yet ready to jump ship" and wanted to stay with the South Island franchise,[8] the Hurricanes were able to lure him away from the champions and made him their head coach for the 2003 season.

Cooper, along with newly appointed captain Tana Umaga, helped to mould the inconsistent and ill-disciplined Hurricanes into one of the top teams in the competition.[9] 2003 was the beginning of a new era for the Hurricanes as they reached the semi-finals for just the second time in their history on the back of a strong seven-game winning streak mid-season. Their success came partly with the break-out year for mid-fielder Ma'a Nonu, his strong performances and partnership with captain Tana Umaga pushed out former All Black Pita Alatini and saw him score six tries en route to the All Black squad. The team also benefited from the steady hand of David Holwell at first five-eighth and an improving and mobile forward pack. Hurricanes stalwart Christian Cullen would leave New Zealand shores for Irish club Munster after his omission from the All Blacks 2003 World Cup squad, despite scoring eight tries during the season.

All Black great Jonah Lomu was left out of the 2004 squad, due to a life-threatening illness that would eventually result in a kidney transplant. He would never again play for the Hurricanes.

The majority of the team was retained for 2005.[10] including new centre Conrad Smith.[11] The Hurricanes came back in 2005 to the form that saw them make the playoffs two years prior. Former New Zealand Colt Flyhalf Jimmy Gopperth was the real "find" of the season, scoring 139 points, which helped offset the departure of David Holwell to Ireland. The Hurricanes had tried to sign Australian playmaker Brock James, who had starred the previous NPC season for Taranaki[12] and the Blues, and young star Luke McAlister indicated that he would like to play in Wellington.[13] With both Daniel Carter and Aaron Mauger at the Crusaders capable of playing first five-eighth the team also made an attempt to lure Andrew Mehrtens to Wellington, without success.

In 2006 two new teams entered the competition, the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs from South Africa and the Perth-based Western Force from Australia, creating the Super 14. Rodney So'oialo was appointed captain of the Hurricanes to succeed former All Black captain Tana Umaga.[14] The team won all but four matches. They made their first Super Rugby final but lost to the Crusaders in a match played under thick fog. Following the match there was an incident in a nightclub involving Chris Masoe and Tana Umaga. The club finances benefitted from on-pitch success, with NZ$1.36 million profit on its 2006 turnover of NZ$7.44 million.

The Hurricanes returned to the semi-finals in both 2008 and 2009, however were unable to capture the same success in subsequent seasons.[15] 2011 saw the arrival of Mark Hammett as coach and the departure of Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu and Piri Weepu.

The Hurricanes finished 11th in the 2013 Super Rugby season.

2015 saw the Hurricanes finish first in the regular season, topping the table with 66 points and a win–loss record of 14–2 in round robin play. The Hurricanes picked up the New Zealand Conference trophy after beating the Highlanders. After beating the Brumbies in the semi-final, the Hurricanes lost the final against the Highlanders 21–14. It was the final Super Rugby match for Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu and Jeremy Thrush – all Hurricanes that have played over 100 caps.

On 8 December 2015, Rugby World Cup-winning hooker Dane Coles was named captain for the 2016 season. Rugby World Cup-winning halfback TJ Perenara was named as vice-captain.[16]

2016 was a big year for the Hurricanes finishing first overall on the points table, despite sitting in 7th going into the final round of the regular season. This saw them go into the quarter-finals against the Sharks winning 41–0 at Wellington Regional Stadium. They carried on to the semi-finals playing the Chiefs and winning 25–9 at Wellington Regional Stadium. The Hurricanes played the Lions in the final, winning the game 20–3 at Wellington Regional Stadium. This was the first time in Super Rugby history that the Hurricanes won the title. It was Victor Vito's final and 100th game for the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes looked to win another championship title in 2017, taking out 12 of 15 games and making it to the quarter-finals against the Brumbies, which the Hurricanes won 16-35. However, in the semi-finals they were defeated by the Lions, who they defeated in the 2016 final.

In 2018, the Hurricanes won 11 of 16 round robin matches, which put them into the quarter-finals against a very tough Chiefs side. The Hurricanes narrowly defeated the Chiefs 32-31. But once again, the Hurricanes failed to make it past the semi-finals, losing to the Crusaders 30-12.

2019 saw the Hurricanes win 12, draw 1 and lose 3. This result took them to the quarter-finals and they faced the Bulls, which was tight but the Hurricanes won 35-28. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes lost to the Crusaders again in a tight battle in Christchurch (30-26).

After 7 rounds of 2020, the Hurricanes finished 3rd in the NZ conference and 6th overall. The competition was suspended after 7 rounds due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a domestic Super Rugby competition was formed in New Zealand called Super Rugby Aotearoa, which kicked off in June 2020. The Hurricanes finished 3rd overall, winning 5 and losing 3. A notable moment from the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Aotearoa 2020 was that they ended the Crusaders' 18 match home winning streak, defeating them 32–34 in Round 7.

Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021 hasn't been so fortunate to the Hurricanes. They have only won one match, which was a 30–19 victory over the Highlanders in Dunedin.

## Home Grounds and Franchise Area

[edit]

Wellington

Horowhenua-Kapiti

Manawatu

Wanganui

Wairarapa-Bush

Hawke's Bay

Poverty Bay

### Grounds

[edit]

The Hurricanes play the majority of their home matches at the 34,500 capacity Sky Stadium (formerly named Westpac Stadium) on Wellington's waterfront. The stadium is affectionately known as The Cake-Tin due to its distinctive shape. It was opened in 2000 to replace Athletic Park, where the team had been previously based.

Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North and McLean Park in Napier have also played host to Hurricanes home matches. In the initial years of the competition, the Hurricanes played once or occasionally twice, away from their Wellington base depending on whether they had five or six home games per year. However, in recent years, the team has seldom ventured from Sky Stadium, playing at-most one match per year in Palmerston North or Napier.

Wellington | Palmerston North | Napier

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Sky Stadium | Central Energy Trust Arena | McLean Park
Capacity: 40,000  | Capacity: 15,000  | Capacity: 22,000
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### Region

[edit]

The team represents the Poverty Bay, Hawke's Bay, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa-Bush, Horowhenua-Kapiti and Wellington unions. In 2013, Taranaki severed its ties with the club, signing its allegiance to the Chiefs in the hope of attracting Chiefs home matches to New Plymouth.[17] On 7 February 2025, the Chiefs announced that also East Coast had changed its provincial affiliation from the Hurricanes to the Chiefs.[18]

## Ownership and Finances

[edit]

In 2012, it was announced that a new company, Hurricanes Investment Ltd Partnership, had purchased a licence from the NZRU to operate the club.[19]

While the NZRU retains ownership of the team, as well as control of the contracts of the players and head coach, the licensee is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations. Hurricanes Investment Ltd Partnership is a joint venture between the Wellington Rugby Football Union owning 50 per cent of shares with the remaining 50 per cent held by a consortium of private investors, led by noted economist and author Gareth Morgan.[19] In July 2013, it was announced that the Horowhenua-Kapiti Rugby Football Union had purchased a 3 per cent stake in the company Hurricanes' Investment Ltd Partnership, with $100,000 contributed towards the company.[20]

## Development team

[edit]

The Hurricanes have fielded a development team in competitions such as the Pacific Rugby Cup and in matches against other representative teams for several seasons. Known as the Hurricanes Hunters[21] or Hurricanes Development XV, the squad is selected from the best emerging rugby talent in the Hurricanes catchment area and is composed of Hurricanes contracted players, wider training group members, under 20s, and selected club players.[22][21]

## Honours

[edit]

### Super Rugby (1996–Present)

[edit]

* Champions (1)

2016

* Runners-up (2)

2006, 2015

* Playoff Appearances (14)

1997, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024

* New Zealand/Australasian Conference Champions (2)

2015, 2016

## Records and achievements

[edit]

### Season standings

[edit]

A season-by-season summary of the Hurricanes regular season results is shown below:

Super 12 | Super 14 | Super Rugby | Super Rugby Aotearoa | Super Rugby Trans Tasman | Super Rugby Pacific

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Season  | Pos  | Pld  | W  | D  | L  | F  | A  | +/-  | BP  | Pts  | Notes

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1996 | 9th | 11 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 290 | 353 | -63 | 5 | 17 |
1997 | 3rd | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 416 | 314 | +102 | 10 | 34 | Lost to Brumbies in semi-final
1998 | 8th | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 313 | 342 | -29 | 6 | 26 |
1999 | 10th | 11 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 213 | 226 | -13 | 4 | 22 |
2000 | 8th | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 308 | 329 | -29 | 5 | 29 |
2001 | 9th | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 291 | 316 | -25 | 5 | 25 |
2002 | 9th | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 232 | 317 | -85 | 3 | 23 |
2003 | 3rd | 11 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 324 | 277 | +47 | 7 | 35 | Lost to Crusaders in semi-final
2004 | 11th | 11 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 275 | 303 | -28 | 5 | 23 |
2005 | 4th | 11 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 281 | 248 | +33 | 2 | 34 | Lost to Crusaders in semi-final
2006 | 2nd | 13 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 328 | 226 | +102 | 7 | 47 | Lost to Crusaders in final
2007 | 8th | 13 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 247 | 300 | -53 | 3 | 27 |
2008 | 4th | 13 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 310 | 204 | +106 | 7 | 41 | Lost to Crusaders in semi-final
2009 | 3rd | 13 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 380 | 279 | +101 | 8 | 44 | Lost to Chiefs in semi-final
2010 | 8th | 13 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 358 | 323 | +35 | 7 | 37 |
2011 | 9th | 16 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 328 | 398 | -70 | 10 | 42* | 1
2012 | 8th | 16 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 489 | 429 | +58 | 9 | 57* | 1
2013 | 11th | 16 | 6 | 0 | 10 | 386 | 457 | -71 | 9 | 41* | 1
2014 | 7th | 16 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 439 | 374 | +65 | 9 | 41 |
2015 | 2nd | 16 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 458 | 288 | +170 | 10 | 66 | Lost to Highlanders in final
2016 | 1st | 15 | 11 | 0 | 4 | 458 | 314 | +144 | 9 | 53 | Defeated Lions in final
2017 | 3rd | 15 | 12 | 0 | 3 | 596 | 272 | +324 | 10 | 58 | Lost to Lions in semi-final
2018 | 4th | 16 | 11 | 0 | 5 | 474 | 343 | +131 | 7 | 51 | Lost to Crusaders in semi-final
2019 | 4th | 16 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 449 | 362 | +87 | 3 | 53 | Lost to Crusaders in semi-final
2020 | 6th | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 168 | 135 | +33 | 1 | 17 | Season cancelled due to COVID-191
2020 | 3rd | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 202 | 213 | -11 | 1 | 21 | No playoffs, round robin only2
2021 | 5th | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 200 | 223 | -23 | 4 | 12 | 3
2021 | 4th | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 195 | 93 | +102 | 5 | 21 | 4
2022 | 5th | 14 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 441 | 330 | +111 | 7 | 39 | Lost to Brumbies in quarter-final
2023 | 5th | 14 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 480 | 338 | +142 | 5 | 41 | Lost to Brumbies in quarter-final
2024 | 1st | 14 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 480 | 281 | +199 | 8 | 56 | Lost to Chiefs in semi-final

#### Notes

[edit]

^1 Teams were awarded four points for a bye during the Super Rugby seasons from 2011 to 2013. Each team took two bye rounds each season. These additional 8 points are included in their season points tally.
^2 All matches after Round 7 were cancelled. the season remained incomplete and no champion was awarded.[23]
^3 Super Rugby Aotearoa was announced as a stand-in replacement competition for Super Rugby, between New Zealand Super Rugby sides. It was played as a round robin competition, with no finals. All teams played the other four teams twice, with the title awarded to the highest ranked team at the conclusion of the round robin fixtures.[24][25]
^4 Super Rugby Aotearoa adopted the same format in 2021 as the inaugural tournament in 2020, with the addition of a final between the top two ranked teams at the conclusion of the round robin stage.[26]
^5 Super Rugby Trans Tasman was a crossover competition between the teams involved in Super Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby AU. Each team from Super Rugby AU played each team from Super Rugby Aotearoa once, and vice versa. A final was played between the top two seeded teams at the conclusion of the round robin matches.[27][28]

### Results per opposition

[edit]

Hurricanes Super Rugby results vs different opponents Super Rugby Match Results

Super Rugby

Opposition  | Span  | Played  | Won  | Drawn  | Lost  | Win%
Blues | 1996–2023 | 39 | 19 | 1 | 19 | 48.7%
Chiefs | 1996–2023 | 42 | 21 | 2 | 19 | 50.0%
Crusaders | 1996–2022 | 44 | 13 | 3 | 28 | 29.5%
Highlanders | 1996–2023 | 40 | 25 | 0 | 15 | 60.0%
Brumbies | 1996–2022 | 29 | 12 | 0 | 17 | 42.9%
Force | 2006–2023 | 14 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 84.6%
Rebels | 2011–2023 | 11 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 90.9%
Reds | 1996–2023 | 25 | 19 | 0 | 6 | 76.0%
Waratahs | 1996–2023 | 26 | 16 | 0 | 10 | 61.5%
Bulls | 1996–2019 | 22 | 12 | 0 | 10 | 54.5%
Cheetahs | 1997–2017 | 11 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 72.7%
Lions | 1996–2019 | 23 | 19 | 0 | 4 | 82.6%
Sharks | 1996–2020 | 24 | 12 | 1 | 11 | 50.0%
Southern Kings | 2013–2016 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.0%
Stormers | 1996–2019 | 21 | 9 | 0 | 12 | 42.9%
Jaguares | 2016–2019 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 75.0%
Sunwolves | 2017–2019 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.0%
Fijian Drua | 2022 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.0%
Moana Pasifika | 2022–2023 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 66.7%
Overall | 1996–2023 | 385 | 219 | 7 | 159 | 56.9%
Updated to: 16 April 2023

## Current squad

[edit]

For player movements before and during the 2025 season, see List of 2024–25 Super Rugby transfers § Hurricanes.

The squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season is:[29][a][b][c][d][e]

Hurricanes Super Rugby squad

Props

* Siale Lauaki [e]
* Tyrel Lomax
* Tevita Mafileo
* Xavier Numia
* Pouri Rakete-Stones
* Pasilio Tosi

Hookers

* Asafo Aumua (cc)
* Jacob Devery
* Raymond Tuputupu
* Nic Souchon ST [b]

Locks

* Tom Allen
* Caleb Delany
* Zach Gallagher
* Josh Taula
* Will Tucker
* Isaia Walker-Leawere
* Hugo Plummer ST [a]

Loose forwards

* Devan Flanders
* Brayden Iose [d]
* Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc)
* Peter Lakai
* Arese Poliko
* Brad Shields (cc)

Halfbacks (scrum-halves)

* Ere Enari
* Cam Roigard
* Jordi Viljoen

First five-eighths (fly-halves)

* Brett Cameron
* Lucas Cashmore
* Riley Hohepa

Midfielders (centres)

* Riley Higgins [e]
* Billy Proctor (cc)
* Bailyn Sullivan
* Peter Umaga-Jensen
* Jone Rova ST [b]

Outside backs

* Kade Banks
* Tjay Clarke
* Fehi Fineanganofo
* Harry Godfrey
* Ruben Love
* Kini Naholo [c]
* Ngane Punivai
* Daniel Sinkinson
* Callum Harkin ST [a]

* (cc) denotes team co-captains.
* Bold denotes internationally capped.
* ST denotes a short-term signing.
* denotes a player ruled out for the season with injury.

1. ^ a b c Harkin & Plummer weren't named in the original Hurricanes squad, but were announced in the side for Round 1.[30]
2. ^ a b c Rova & Souchon weren't named in the original Hurricanes squad, but were announced in the side for Round 4.[31]
3. ^ a b Naholo was named in the original Hurricanes squad, but was ruled out for the season through injury in May 2025.[32]
4. ^ a b Iose was named in the original Hurricanes squad, but was ruled out for the season through injury in May 2025.[33]
5. ^ a b c Higgins & Lauaki were both named in the original Hurricanes squad, but were both ruled out for the season through injury in May 2025.[34]

## Former players

[edit]

See also: List of Hurricanes (rugby union) players

* Pita Alatini (17 tests, 3 matches)
* Inoke Afeaki*
* Bull Allen (8 tests, 19 matches)
* Stephen Bachop (5 tests, 13 matches)
* Beauden Barrett (88 tests, 1 match)
* Andrew Blowers (11 tests, 7 matches)
* James Broadhurst (1 test)
* Sireli Bobo*
* Bill Cavubati*
* Dane Coles (90 tests)
* Jerry Collins (48 tests, 2 matches)
* Mark Cooksley (11 tests, 12 matches)
* Phil Coffin (3 matches)
* Aaron Cruden (50 tests)
* Christian Cullen (58 tests, 2 matches)
* Chresten Davis (2 matches)
* Rhys Duggan (1 test)
* Jason Eaton (15 tests, 2 matches)
* Hika Elliot (4 tests, 1 match)
* Tamati Ellison (4 tests, 1 match)
* Bryn Evans (2 tests)
* Riki Flutey*
* Ben Franks (47 tests, 1 match)
* Hosea Gear (14 tests, 1 match)
* Zac Guildford (10 tests, 1 match)
* Norm Hewitt (9 tests, 5 matches)
* Andrew Hore (83 tests)
* Cory Jane(53 tests, 2 matches)
* Alama Ieremia (30 tests, 10 matches)
* Danny Lee (2 tests)
* Jonah Lomu (63 tests, 10 matches)
* Simon Mannix (1 test, 8 matches)
* Alby Mathewson (4 tests, 1 match)
* Chris Masoe (20 tests)
* Joe McDonnell (8 tests)
* Brad Mika (3 tests)
* Nehe Milner-Skudder (13 tests)
* Charlie Ngatai (1 test)
* Ma'a Nonu (103 tests, 1 match)
* Jason O'Halloran (1 test)
* TJ Perenara (69 tests, 1 match)
* Jon Preston (10 tests, 17 matches)
* Matt Proctor (1 test)
* Mark Ranby (1 test)
* Roger Randle (2 matches)
* John Schwalger (2 tests)
* Gordon Slater (3 tests, 3 matches)
* Conrad Smith (94 tests)
* Toby Smith*
* Rodney So'oialo (62 tests, 1 match)
* Jeremy Stanley (3 matches)
* Paul Steinmetz (1 test)
* Glenn Taylor (1 test, 5 matches)
* Jeremy Thrush (12 tests)
* Neemia Tialata (43 tests, 1 match)
* Filo Tiatia (2 tests)
* Isaia Toeava (36 tests, 1 match)
* Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (3 tests)
* Ofisa Tonu'u (5 tests, 3 matches)
* Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (1 test, 2 matches)
* Tana Umaga (74 tests, 5 matches)
* Kupu Vanisi (1 test)
* Victor Vito (33 tests)
* Scott Waldrom (1 match)
* Dion Waller (1 test, 2 matches)
* Piri Weepu (71 tests, 2 matches)

## Current coaches

[edit]

### Head coach

[edit]

* Clark Laidlaw

### Assistant coaches

[edit]

* Cory Jane — defence (2020–present)
* Brad Cooper — attack (2025–present)
* Jamie Mackintosh — forwards (2023–present)
* Bryn Evans — line-out and kick-off (2024–present)[35]

## Former head coaches and captains

[edit]

### Head coaches

[edit]

Hurricanes head coaches by date, matches and win percentage* Coach  | Period  | G | W | D | L | %

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Frank Oliver | 1996–1999  | 45 | 18 | 1 | 26 | 040.0
Graham Mourie | 2000–2002  | 33 | 16 | 0 | 17 | 048.5
Colin Cooper | 2003–2010  | 104 | 60 | 3 | 41 | 057.7
Mark Hammett | 2011–2014  | 64 | 29 | 2 | 33 | 045.3
Chris Boyd | 2015–2018  | 71 | 54 | 0 | 17 | 076.1
John Plumtree | 2019  | 18 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 072.2
Jason Holland | 2020–2023  | 57 | 32 | 0 | 25 | 056.1
Clark Laidlaw | 2024–present  | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | !—
Totals (1996–present)* | 392 | 222 | 7 | 163 | 056.6
Updated to: 9 November 2023

Notes:

^* Official Super Rugby competition matches only, including finals.

### Captains

[edit]

* Bull Allen (1996–1998, 30 games – Captain)
* Jon Preston (1998, 3 games, Allen injured)
* Norm Hewitt (1998-2000, 15 games – Captain)
* Jason O'Halloran (1999, 8 games, Hewitt injured)
* Gordon Slater (2001-2002, 22 games – Captain)
* Tana Umaga (2003–2005, 35 games – Captain)
* Jerry Collins (2004, 3 games, Umaga injured)
* Rodney So'oialo (2006–2009, 49 games – Captain)
* Paul Tito (2007, 1 game, So'oialo injured)
* Tamati Ellison (2009, 1 game, So'oialo injured)
* Andrew Hore (2010–2011, 28 games – Captain)
* Victor Vito (2011, 2 games, Hore rested; 2013, 1 game)
* Conrad Smith (2007, 1 game; 2012–15, 60 games – Captain)
* Jeremy Thrush (2014, 3 games, C. Smith injured)
* Dane Coles (2015, 1 game, C. Smith rested) (2016–2018 – Captain)
* Brad Shields (2017, D. Coles injured; 2018, D. Coles injured; 2024–present – Captain)
* TJ Perenara (2016, 2 games, D. Coles injured; 2017, 7 games, D. Coles injured)
* Ardie Savea (2019–2023 – Captain)

The above is a comprehensive list of Hurricanes captains. Official captains are named in the list as "Captain".

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Hay, Jennifer; Maclagan, Margaret; Gordon, Elizabeth (2008), "New Zealand English", Edinburgh University Press, Dialects of English, p. 31, ISBN 978-0-7486-2529-1
2. ^ "Hau Āwhiowhio – Te Aka Māori Dictionary". Te Aka Māori Dictionary.
3. ^ Amie Mills. "Cake Tin lacks a certain build-up to the game?". Victoria University of Wellington. Archived from the original on 3 March 2007. Retrieved 20 April 2007.
4. ^ a b "Chase on for All Black Lomu". BBC. 6 November 1999. Retrieved 21 December 2006.
5. ^ "Lomu joins Hurricanes". BBC. 23 November 1999. Retrieved 21 December 2006.
6. ^ "NPC Magic-Season Review 2000". haka.co.nz. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2006.
7. ^ "Mourie quits Hurricanes". BBC. 26 June 2002. Retrieved 21 December 2006.
8. ^ "No Tug-Of-War over Cooper says NZRFU". rugby.com.au. Archived from the original on 18 March 2008. Retrieved 21 December 2006.
9. ^ "Hurricanes ride high in rankings". thefanatics.com. Retrieved 21 December 2006.
10. ^ "Consistency of selection in Hurricanes squad". allblacks.com. 29 October 2004. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2006.
11. ^ "Season Stats 2005". hurricanes.co.nz. Archived from the original on 7 October 2006. Retrieved 20 December 2006.
12. ^ "Brock James knocked back from Hurricanes". rugby.com.au. 27 September 2004. Archived from the original on 18 March 2008. Retrieved 20 December 2006.
13. ^ "McAlister wants to be a Hurricane". allblacks.com. 5 October 2004. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2006.
14. ^ "New Hurricanes captain". hurricanes.co.nz. 11 January 2006. Archived from the original on 7 October 2006. Retrieved 21 December 2006.
15. ^ "History of the Hurricanes". Hurricanes. Archived from the original on 15 February 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
16. ^ "Coles, Perenara to lead 'Canes in 2016". hurricanes.co.nz. 8 December 2015. Archived from the original on 31 January 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
17. ^ "Canes hopeful of tempting Taranaki's finest". New Zealand: Stuff. 11 December 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
18. ^ "Chiefs Rugby Club welcome Ngāti Porou East Coast Rugby Union as provincial affiliate". Chiefs. 7 February 2025. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
19. ^ a b "Hurricanes sold to private investors". New Zealand: Stuff. 12 November 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
20. ^ "Provincial Rugby Support for Hurricanes as Horowhenua invests". The New Zealand Herald. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
21. ^ a b Hurndell, Shane (29 March 2019). "Rugby: Angus McKnight reckons night games should be locked in". Hawke's Bay Today.
22. ^ "Rugby: Pacific Rugby Cup to feature NZ sides". The New Zealand Herald. 28 January 2011.
23. ^ Decent, Tom (14 March 2020). "All Super Rugby matches to be cancelled after Sunday's fixtures". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
24. ^ "Super Rugby Aotearoa draw and 'experimental' rules". Otago Daily Times. 12 June 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
25. ^ "Covid 19 coronavirus: New Zealand Rugby confirm details for 'Super Rugby Aotearoa' at alert level 2". The New Zealand Herald. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
26. ^ "20 NZ derbies, one final! Super Rugby Aotearoa draw announced for 2021". rugby.com.au. 10 November 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
27. ^ "2021 set for thrilling Trans-Tasman crossover". rugby.com.au. 12 November 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
28. ^ "Super Rugby Trans-Tasman kick off times and locations confirmed for 2021". rugby.com.au. Archived from the original on 13 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
29. ^ "Game Readiness and Maturity Key in 2025 Hurricanes Squad". Hurricanes (Press release). 12 November 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
30. ^ "Hurricanes team named to play the Crusaders in opening round". Hurricanes (Press release). 12 February 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
31. ^ "Ruben Love returns to start against Moana Pasifika for Round 4". Hurricanes (Press release). 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
32. ^ "Delivereasy Game for Good vs Highlanders". Hurricanes (Press release). 14 May 2025. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
33. ^ "Team to play the Reds in Round 15". Hurricanes (Press release). 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
34. ^ "Team for the Moana Pasifika Round 16 clash". Hurricanes (Press release). 28 May 2025. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
35. ^ "Former Hurricane Bryn Evans joins Hurricanes coaching group for 2024". Hurricanes (Press release). 1 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* New Zealand Super Rugby website
* SANZAAR Super Rugby website
* Wellington Regional Stadium

Preceded by

Highlanders

|  Super Rugby Champions
2016 (First title)  | Succeeded by

Crusaders

|
|

* v
* t
* e

Hurricanes

Super Rugby Team|

* Hurricanes

Bunnings NPC teams|

* Hawke's Bay
* Manawatu
* Wellington

Heartland teams|

* Horowhenua-Kapiti
* Poverty Bay
* Wairarapa-Bush
* Wanganui

Stadiums|

* Central Energy Trust Arena
* McLean Park
* Sky Stadium

Other|

* Hurricanes Poua
* List of Hurricanes (rugby union) players

* v
* t
* e

Super Rugby

* SANZAAR
* Champions
* Records
* Centurions
* Franchise areas
* Stadiums
* Referees
* Trophy
* Super W
* Super Rugby Aupiki
* Super Round

Teams|

| Current teams|

* Blues
* Brumbies
* Chiefs
* Crusaders
* Drua
* Force
* Highlanders
* Hurricanes
* Moana Pasifika
* Reds
* Waratahs

|

Former teams|

* Bulls
* Cheetahs
* Griquas
* Jaguares
* Lions
* Pumas
* Rebels
* Sharks
* Southern Kings
* Stormers
* Sunwolves

Super 12 seasons|

* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005

Super 14 seasons|

* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010

Super Rugby seasons|

* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020 (AU, NZ, SA)
* 2021 (AU, NZ, TT)

Super Rugby Pacific seasons|

* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Super Rugby finals|

* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* ~~2020~~
* ~~2021~~
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Player transfers|

* 2012–13
* 2013–14
* 2014–15
* 2015–16
* 2016–17
* 2017–18
* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2020–21
* 2021–22
* 2022–23
* 2023–24
* 2024–25

Regionalised competitions|

* Super Rugby Aotearoa
* Super Rugby AU
* Super Rugby Trans-Tasman
* Super Rugby Unlocked

* Category
* Commons

* v
* t
* e

Rugby union in New Zealand

Governing body|

* New Zealand Rugby

National teams|

| Men's|

* New Zealand
* Sevens
* U-20
* Schoolboys
* Defunct: U-21
* U-19

|

Women's|

* New Zealand
* Sevens

Other notable teams|

* All Blacks XV
* Black Ferns XV
* Barbarians
* Cavaliers
* Classic All Blacks
* Heartland XV
* Māori All Blacks

Competitions|

* Super Rugby
* Super Rugby Aupiki
* National Provincial Championship
* Heartland Championship
* Meads Cup
* Lochore Cup
* Ranfurly Shield
* Hanan Shield
* New Zealand Sevens
* New Zealand Women's Sevens
* National Sevens
* Farah Palmer Cup
* National First XV Championship
* North vs South rugby union match
* The Rugby Championship

Related articles|

* International players
* International player records
* International tours and series
* New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup
* History of rugby union in New Zealand
* Structure of rugby union in New Zealand
* List of New Zealand rugby union teams
* Racism in New Zealand rugby union
* New Zealand Rugby Museum
* Oceania Rugby
* The Rugby Channel

Provincial unions|

| North Island|

* Auckland
* Bay of Plenty
* Counties-Manukau
* East Coast
* Hawke's Bay
* Horowhenua-Kapiti
* King Country
* Manawatu
* North Harbour
* Northland
* Poverty Bay
* Taranaki
* Thames Valley
* Waikato
* Wairarapa Bush
* Wanganui
* Wellington

|

South Island|

* Buller
* Canterbury
* Mid-Canterbury
* North Otago
* Otago
* South Canterbury
* Southland
* Tasman
* West Coast

* v
* t
* e

Sport in Wellington

Basketball|

NBL

Wellington Saints

Cricket|

NZC (men's)

Wellington Firebirds
NZC (women's)

Wellington Blaze

Football (soccer)|

A-League Men

Wellington Phoenix
A-League Women

Wellington Phoenix
NZNL

Wellington Olympic
Wellington Phoenix Reserves
Western Suburbs

Netball|

ANZ Premiership

Central Pulse
NNL

Central Manawa

Rugby league|

NZRL Men's National Competition

Wellington Orcas

Rugby union|

Super Rugby

Hurricanes
NPC

Wellington Lions

Events|

American football
Capital Bowl
Horse racing

Wellington Cup
Lacrosse

Wellington Lacrosse Open
Rugby sevens

Wellington Sevens (2000–2017)

* v
* t
* e

Hurricanes - current squad

Forwards|

* Tom Allen
* Asafo Aumua
* Caleb Delany
* Jacob Devery
* Devan Flanders
* Zach Gallagher
* Brayden Iose
* Du'Plessis Kirifi
* Peter Lakai
* Siale Lauaki
* Tyrel Lomax
* Tevita Mafileo
* Xavier Numia
* Hugo Plummer
* Arese Poliko
* Pouri Rakete-Stones
* Brad Shields
* Nic Souchon
* Josh Taula
* Pasilio Tosi
* Will Tucker
* Raymond Tuputupu
* Isaia Walker-Leawere

Backs|

* Kade Banks
* Brett Cameron
* Lucas Cashmore
* Tjay Clarke
* Ere Enari
* Fehi Fineanganofo
* Harry Godfrey
* Callum Harkin
* Riley Higgins
* Riley Hohepa
* Ruben Love
* Kini Naholo
* Billy Proctor
* Ngane Punivai
* Cam Roigard
* Jone Rova
* Daniel Sinkinson
* Bailyn Sullivan
* Peter Umaga-Jensen
* Jordi Viljoen

Coach|

* Clark Laidlaw

*[G]: Games as coach
*[W]: Games won
*[D]: Games drawn
*[L]: Games lost
*[%]: Win percentage
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template