Hurricanes 2026
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So after a raft of signings lately and with Moorby and Naholo all but confirmed, the Canes 23 is shaping up to be something like the below. Note, this is my preference only, but I can also see Jordie starting the season at 12.
I'd also give Du Plessis Kirifi the captains armband, he fully deserves it after this year's leadership.
Canes strongest 15 for 2026
- X Numia
- A Aumua
- T Lomax
- I Walker-Leawere
- W Dearns
- D Flanders
- D Kirifi (C)
- P Lakai
- C Roigard
- R Love
- K Naholo
- R Higgins
- B Proctor
- J Moorby
- J Barrett
Pretty decent 2nd 15 taking shape for depth
- T Mafileo
- J Devery
- P Tosi
- C Delany
- H Plummer
- B Shields
- ?? S Halalilo/C Flanders
- B Iose
- J Vijoen
- H Godfrey/B Cameron
- F Fineanganofo
- ?? J Rova
- B Sullivan
- N Punivai
- C Harkin
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@SBW1 said in Hurricanes 2026:
What are the chances of Matt Proctor signing to play alongside his brother?
Isn't he locked in for next year with the Force?
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Devery extends:
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@antipodean said in Hurricanes 2026:
@SBW1 said in Hurricanes 2026:
What are the chances of Matt Proctor signing to play alongside his brother?
Isn't he locked in for next year with the Force?
The Force announced his departure yesterday. Would be a good player to have in the squad but I think he's too far passed it to make the top 23.
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Foketi is going to the Chiefs
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@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:
Foketi is going to the Chiefs
Helluva stacked midfield, where he could end up last in line. Odd choice.
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I wonder if this is a sign Matty P is coming back to the Canes? Hopefully he signs with Wellington for the NPC.
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Tjay Clarke potentially on the move..... to Toshiba according the ClubRugby.co.nz's weekly roundup here - https://clubrugby.nz/wp/2025/07/07/sideline-conversions-7-july-some-rugby-news-and-information-to-start-the-week/
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@Canes4life Wow, bit of a shame at 22 years old and having just cracked super rugby.. I suppose the option is there now and guys would prefer get some experience and cash than be a squad member. Hope we could see him back after a year or 2
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@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2026:
@Canes4life Wow, bit of a shame at 22 years old and having just cracked super rugby.. I suppose the option is there now and guys would prefer get some experience and cash than be a squad member. Hope we could see him back after a year or 2
With Moorby, Harkin, Godfrey, Love, Barrett, Naholo, Punivai, Fineanganofo and Sullivan all having the ability to play wing/fullback, and probably considered ahead of him, I feel like he won't get too much opportunity, kind of like this year. Maybe they've pushed him to do a couple years in Japan with a deal for him post the RWC when plenty of positions usually open up.
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Enari extends through 26 announced
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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 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.
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@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
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@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.
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Updated squad list for 2026.
Hookers
A Aumua
J Devery
R TuputupuProps:
X Numia
T Mafileo
P Tosi
T Lomax
S Lauaki
P Rakete-StonesLocks:
T Allen
C Delany
I Walker-Leawere
H Plummer
W DearnsLoose forwards:
D Kirifi
P Lakai
B Iose
D Flanders
B Shields
A PolikoHalfbacks:
C Roigard
J Vijoen
E EnariFirst fives:
B Cameron
H GodfreyCentres:
B Sullivan
B Proctor
J Barrett
R HigginsOutside backs:
R Love
C Harkin
F Fineanganofo
N Punivai
K Naholo
T Clarke
J Moorby
