Hurricanes Unveil New Squad for 2027 Super Rugby Pacific Season

The Hurricanes have officially announced their refreshed roster for the upcoming 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, showcasing an exciting lineup that includes 10 new signings along with one promotion from last year’s Wider Training Group (WTG).

Key Signings

Leading the new additions is powerhouse No.8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, who recently joined the All Blacks squad during their tour of South Africa. His dynamic playing style is expected to make a significant impact on the field.

In the halves, the Hurricanes have secured the talents of Bryn Hall, a seasoned player with six Super Rugby championships under his belt. After stints with the Shizuoka Blue Revs and Kubota Spears in Japan, Hall returns to New Zealand eager to contribute to his new team.

Strengthening the Forward Pack

The Hurricanes are heavily investing in their forward pack following the departure of top lock Warner Dearns, who had a brief one-year commitment. They have welcomed All Blacks XV loose forward Oliver Haig and promising Hawke’s Bay lock Hunter Morrison, who shone in the NPC this year.

Additionally, young star Dylan Eti, who played for the New Zealand U20 team in 2025, is joining the squad. Eti’s prowess in the Chiefs U20 campaign has placed him on the radar, bolstering the Hurricanes’ second-row options. Another addition is lock Alefosio Aho from Moana Pasifika, enhancing depth in the lock position.

On the prop front, former Highlanders player Rohan Wingham has been recruited, along with Tito Tuipulotu, who joins after his time with Moana Pasifika and will team up with Tupou Ta’eiloa and Aho.

Backline Reinforcements

Additions to the backline include midfielder Tamiro Armstrong, who is moving south from Bay of Plenty. Former Crusader and Northland product Heremiah Murray is also on board, providing much-needed insurance for Ngane Punivai, who will miss the 2027 season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Josh Gray is also making headlines as he transitions from the WTG to a full contract after making his Super Rugby Pacific debut with the Hurricanes in the past season.

Balancing Experience and Youth

Coach Laidlaw expressed excitement about finalizing the squad, stating, “It’s a pivotal time of year when we can announce the lineup.”

He highlighted that the selection process has been underway for nearly ten months, particularly after knowing some players would depart. “Our work didn’t just start during the NPC but began back in January as we identified areas needing reinforcement,” Laidlaw noted.

Laidlaw emphasized the importance of blending experienced players with upcoming talent. “We’ve achieved a solid balance within the squad that will facilitate both immediate performance and future development.” He looks forward to welcoming the new and returning Hurricanes as they gear up for pre-season training come November.

2027 Hurricanes Squad Overview

• Props: Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Tito Tuipulotu, Rohan Wingham
• Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Vernon Bason, Jacob Devery, Raymond Tuputupu
• Locks: Alefosio Aho, Caleb Delany, Dylan Eti, Hunter Morrison, Hugo Plummer
• Loose Forwards: Oliver Haig, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Arese Poliko, Brad Shields, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
• Halfbacks: Bryn Hall, Cam Roigard, Jordi Viljoen
• First-Fives: Brett Cameron, Harry Godfrey, Ruben Love
• Midfielders: T?miro Armstrong, Jordie Barrett, Heremaia Murray, Billy Proctor, Jone Rova
• Outside Backs: Josh Gray, Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngane Punivai*

“The blend of talent in our squad has us optimistic as we look ahead to the new season.”