Hurricanes 2026
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@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.
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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
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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
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@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.
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Is Cooper Flanders signed anywhere currently? Surely the canes will be trying to court him, hes looking bloody good for the Magpies only 21.
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@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.
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@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.
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@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.
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@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.
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@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.
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@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.
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@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?
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@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.
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@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.
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@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?
That's getting into the weeds a bit.
What I meant was, there is likely one spot available at rhe franchise where the two players went through the system. It will likely go to one of those two. Meaning the other of the two will be open to other options.
Dipping down into who and where is always interesting. But before there is a who and where, the player needs to be available and passed over by the primary primary chooser. In this case the Hurricanes.
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@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:
@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?
That's getting into the weeds a bit.
What I meant was, there is likely one spot available at rhe franchise where the two players went through the system. It will likely go to one of those two. Meaning the other of the two will be open to other options.
Dipping down into who and where is always interesting. But before there is a who and where, the player needs to be available and passed over by the primary primary chooser. In this case the Hurricanes.
Yeah I get that but if all franchises are in the same boat as the Hurricanes it’s more than likely one of them will have to settle for a WTG contract or look somewhere else like MLR while Super is on.
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Hurricanes to play their first home game of the season in round 2 against Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium and will take the bye in round 1.
The Chiefs have also announced that they will be hosting the Canes in round 10.
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What does everyone think of the Canes fixture list to begin the 2026 campaign? I think we've definitely got the short end of the stick to start the campaign, with a bye in the first round and a stinking hot trip to Fiji in round 3, which as we all know will be tough challenge in the back end of summer.
If we can pick up 5 wins before our second bye, I would be pretty stoked with that.
Round 1: Bye
Round 2: v Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium, Wellington – 7:05pm Friday, 20 February
Round 3: v Fijian Drua at Churchill Park, Lautoka – 4:35pm Saturday, 28 February
Round 4: v Waratahs at Allianz Stadium, Sydney – 9:35pm Friday, 6 March
Round 5: v Force at TBC Venue (home match) – 7:05pm Friday, 13 March
Round 6: v Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin – 7:05pm Friday, 20 March
Round 7: v Reds at Sky Stadium, Wellington – 4:35pm Saturday, 28 March
Round 8: Bye
Round 9: v Blues at Sky Stadium, Wellington – 7:05pm Saturday, 11 April
Round 10: v Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton – 7:05pm Saturday, 18 April
Round 11: v Brumbies at One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch – Saturday, 25 April (TBC kick-off time)
Round 12: v Crusaders at Sky Stadium, Wellington – 7:05pm Friday, 1 May
Round 13: v Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium, Albany – 7:05pm Saturday, 9 May
Round 14: v Blues at TBC Venue (Auckland) – 7:05pm Saturday, 16 May
Round 15: v Highlanders at Sky Stadium, Wellington – 7:05pm Saturday, 23 May
Round 16: v Crusaders at One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch – 7:05pm Friday, 29 May -
@Canes4life I think avoiding the Chiefs, Crusaders and Chiefs in the first half of the season instantly means you can’t call it a tough start.
