2017 SQUAD GUIDE HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "2017 SQUAD GUIDE HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE"

Bernadette Stevenson
6 years ago
Views:

1 2017 SQUAD GUIDE HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE 1

2 HURRICANES LTD Level Thorndon Quay Pipitea, Wellington, 6011 New Zealand Postal Address Hurricanes Ltd PO Box 7201 Wellington South New Zealand General Enquiries Phone: Fax: mail@wrfu.co.nz facebook.com/hurricanesrugby twitter.com/hurricanesrugby instagram: hurricanesrugby Squad/player information is current as at 31 October 2016

3 THE 2017 HURRICANES FORWARDS PROPS Chris Eves Reg Goodes Mike Kainga Ben May Jeff To omaga-allen Loni Uhila HOOKERS Leni Apisai Dane Coles Ricky Riccitelli LOCKS Mark Abott James Broadhurst Geoff Cridge Michael Fatialofa Sam Lousi LOOSE FORWARDS Vaea Fifita Callum Gibbins Toa Halafihi Reed Prinsep Hugh Renton Ardie Savea Brad Shields Blade Thomson BACKS HALFBACKS Kylem O Donnell TJ Perenara Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi FIRST FIVE-EIGHTHS Beauden Barrett Otere Black MIDFIELD BACKS Pita Ahki Jordie Barrett Vince Aso Wes Goosen Ngani Laumape Matt Proctor OUTSIDE BACKS Cory Jane Ben Lam Nehe Milner-Skudder Julian Savea Peter Umaga-Jensen COACHES & MANAGEMENT HEAD COACH Chris Boyd ASSISTANT COACHES John Plumtree Jason Holland Daniel Cron Richard Watt TEAM MANAGER Tony Ward STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH David Gray David Wildash TEAM DOCTOR Theo Dorfling PHYSIOS Cam Shaw Leevan Santos ANALYST Jayson Ross BAGGAGE MAN/MASSEUR Paul Minehan HIGH PERFORMANCE MANAGER Chris Stirling MEDIA MANAGER Toby Robson HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE 3

CHRIS BOYD JOHN PLUMTREE CHRIS BOYD POSITION: HEAD COACH Boyd will be forever remembered as the first head coach to lead the Hurricanes to an Investec Super Rugby title after winning the trophy in

He then took over as Wellington s second XV coach before becoming assistant coach of the Wellington Lions in 2003.

4 CHRIS BOYD JOHN PLUMTREE CHRIS BOYD POSITION: HEAD COACH Boyd will be forever remembered as the first head coach to lead the Hurricanes to an Investec Super Rugby title after winning the trophy in his second year at the helm. Boyd s coaching journey began with the first coaching role was as coach of Tawa Rugby Club, where he spent nine years from 1989 to He then took over as Wellington s second XV coach before becoming assistant coach of the Wellington Lions in From 2006 to 2008 he was assistant coach to John Plumtree at the Sharks Super Rugby club in South Africa. He has since worked at the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand as a coaching services advisor, and was defensive coach of Tonga s national team at Rugby World Cup Boyd was also appointed as the Wellington Lions head coach in 2011, and took up the same role with New Zealand Under 20 a year later. As Hurricanes head coach he has taken the team to back to back Super Rugby finals. JOHN PLUMTREE POSITION: ASSISTANT COACH Plumtree joined the Hurricanes in 2015, but is no stranger to Super Rugby or Wellington. He was both assistant and head coach of the Durban-based Sharks Super Rugby team between before a stint as the Irish national team s forwards coach in the build up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Plumtree was the Wellington Lions head coach from , taking them to the finals in 2003, 2004 and Born in Taranaki he had a successful playing career as a flanker, with 40 caps for his home province before shifting to South Africa where he played 80 matches for the Natal Sharks from 1988 to 1997, winning two Currie Cup medals in 1990 and Widely credited as being a master of defence, he brings an array of skills to the Hurricanes coaching set up. 4 HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

5 CHRIS EVES POSITION: Prop PHYSICAL: 1.87m 117kg DATE OF BIRTH: REGGIE GOODES POSITION: Loosehead prop PHYSICAL: 1.84m 112kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Whitbank, South Africa SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 45 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Sharks in Durban SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 60 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Chiefs in Hamilton PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL CAPS: 30 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Hawke s Bay in Napier PROVINCIAL CAPS: 45 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Tasman in Wellington Chris was a very valuable part of the squad last year, particularly in an impact role where he added his power and pace during the backend of our matches. A very capable front row forward. Had an outstanding season despite some injury disruptions last year and continued that form for the Wellington Lions. No doubt he will continue to play at the same high level in BEN MAY POSITION: Prop PHYSICAL: 1.93m 119kg DATE OF BIRTH: JEFFREY TOOMAGA-ALLEN POSITION: Tighthead prop PHYSICAL: 1.92m 125kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Wellington SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 83 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2007 v Reds (for the Crusaders) in Christchurch PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL CAPS: 85 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2004 v Thames Valley (Nelson Bays) in Nelson A very experienced prop who can play both sides of the scrum and a great team man. Will be part of a very competitive group of props battling for consistent game time. SUPER GAMES: 56 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Stormers in Cape Town PROVINCIAL CAPS: 30 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Manawatu in Palmerston North TEST CAPS: 1 TEST DEBUT: 2013 v Japan in Tokyo Another to miss the Mitre 10 Cup season through injury, Jeff can t wait to get back out on the field. No doubt he will have his sights set on plenty of game time in Jeff s enthusiasm always adds a positive to our set-up. HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE 5

6 MIKE KAINGA POSITION: Prop PHYSICAL: 1.87m, 117kg DATE OF BIRTH: LONI UHILA POSITION: Prop PHYSICAL: 1.81m 125kg DATE OF BIRTH: SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 3: SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0 SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Sharks in Wellington SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 15 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies in Canberra PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL CAPS: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Taranaki (Bay of Plenty) in Mt Maunganui PROVINCE: Waikato PROVINCIAL CAPS: 20 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Counties Manukau in Pukekohe Mike came into the squad late last year as a replacement player and once again showed he s very capable at Super Rugby level. He s a popular member of the squad and we re looking forward to having him back in The Tongan Bear was a pleasure to coach and watch in Loni always brings a fantastic attitude and he made every post a winner in his first year of Super Rugby. His second season should be just as fun to watch. LENI APISAI POSITION: Hooker PHYSICAL: 1.81m, 106kg DATE OF BIRTH: DANE COLES POSITION: Hooker PHYSICAL: 1.84m 109kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Wellington SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 5 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0 SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies in Canberra PROVINCIAL CAPS: 24 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Waikato in Wellington Leni grew immensely as a leader and a player in He captained the New Zealand Under 20s team, made his Super Rugby debut, played a full provincial season with Wellington and toured with the Maori All Blacks. A mature player for his age, we look forward to watching him grow further this year. SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 94 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 70 (14t) SUPER DEBUT: 2009 v Waratahs in Wellington PROVINCIAL GAMES: 66 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 85 (17t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v Auckland in Wellington TEST CAPS: 35 TEST POINTS: 25 (5t) TEST DEBUT: 2012 v Scotland in Edinburgh Colesy is a massively important part of our set-up. He plays the game at an incredibly high level and as our leader sets the standard for everything we do. He was huge for us in 2016 and will be again in HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

7 RICKY RICCITELLI POSITION: Hooker PHYSICAL: 1.75m, 110kg DATE OF BIRTH: MARK ABBOTT POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL: 1.97m 116kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Christchurch SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 9 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0 SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies in Canberra SUPER GAMES: 31 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Sharks in Durban PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL CAPS: 18 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Horowhenua Kapiti in Napier PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL CAPS: 46 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Otago (for Canterbury) in Christchurch Ricky made every post a winner during his first season of Super Rugby. Very strong both with ball in hand and at set piece, and gets around the very well too. Mark made a big contribution to the Hurricanes in 2016 where he was particularly strong through the first half the season. A rugged, mobile, reliable and skilful lock, he will again be an important part of our squad in JAMES BROADHURST POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL: 2.01m 122kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Kaitaia GEOFFREY CRIDGE POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL: 2.00m, 114kg DATE OF BIRTH: SUPER GAMES: 71 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2010 v Force in Wellington SUPER GAMES: 1 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Kings in Wellington 2015 PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL GAMES: 74 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v Otago (for Canterbury) in Dunedin TEST CAPS: 1 TEST DEBUT: 2015 v South Africa in Johannesburg Broady had a difficult 2016 as he dealt with a long recovery from concussion. He s a quality player and we re all looking forward to welcoming him back whenever he s ready to return to play. PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL CAPS: 11 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Northland in Whangarei He s had a tough couple of season with injury, but shook off those issues during the back half of Super Rugby and really started to hit his straps during the Mitre 10 Cup. A big, strong, mobile lock, we look forward to him playing a bigger role in HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE 7

8 MICHAEL FATIALOFA POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL: 1.98m, 113kg DATE OF BIRTH: SAM LOUSI POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL: 1.99m, 128kg DATE OF BIRTH: SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 15 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0 SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Force in Palmerston North SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 14 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0 SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Reds (Waratahs) in Sydney PROVINCE: Auckland PROVINCIAL CAPS: 55 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Auckland (Southland) in Auckland Fats was probably the find of the season in He saw an opportunity in his first year of Super Rugby and took it with both hands. I m sure he ll be looking to build on that in PROVINCIAL CAPS: 10 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Hawke s Bay in Napier Sam s back ground is rugby league, but we think is only just scratching the surface of his potential in rugby union. He was outstanding for Wellington during the Mitre 10 Cup and we re looking forward to helping him continues his development. CALLUM GIBBINS POSITION: Loose forward PHYSICAL: 1.86m, 102kg DATE OF BIRTH: VAEA FIFITA POSITION: Loose forward/ Lock PHYSICAL: 1.96m 107kg DATE OF BIRTH: SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 26 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Lions in Johannesburg SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 20 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Blues in Auckland PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL CAPS: 66 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 100 (20t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v Wellington in Wellington PROVINCIAL CAPS: 28 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v North Harbour in Wellington Led the team s boy band brilliantly, but it was his selflessness and complete commitment to the team that stood out in With him and Ardie Savea in our squad we are spoilt for choice when it comes to our opensides. We all know how athletically gifted Vaea is and we ve seen plenty of that over the past two years. His call up to the All Blacks confirmed what we already knew about his potential and his continuing development will be exciting to watch. 8 HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

9 TOA HALAFIHI POSITION: Number Eight PHYSICAL: 1.84m, 102kg DATE OF BIRTH: REED PRINSEP POSITION: Loose forward PHYSICAL: 1.92m, 108kg DATE OF BIRTH: SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 0 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: N/A SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: N/A PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL CAPS: 24 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Hawke s Bay at Napier A powerful and versatile loose forward with a great skill set. With a couple of solid provincial seasons behind him Toa has developed his game well and looks ready for the next step in his career. SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 1 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0 SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Chiefs (Crusaders) in Christchurch PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL CAPS: 24 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v North Harbour in Albany A versatile and athletic loose forward who can carry the ball well and has a big work rate in defence. We re excited about having Reed join the club. HUGH RENTON POSITION: Loose forward PHYSICAL: 1.89m, 104kg DATE OF BIRTH: ARDIE SAVEA POSITION: Loose forward PHYSICAL: 1.88m, 100kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Wellington SUPER GAMES: 0 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: - PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL CAPS: 4 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Wellington in Napier A young man with a highly promising future. Hugh was hit with injury in 2015, so will be looking to get out on the park and make use of the hard work he s been doing off the field for the past year. SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 49 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 50 (10t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Waratahs in Wellington PROVINCIAL CAPS: 31 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 85 (17t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Manawatu in Palmerston North TEST CAPS: 9 TEST POINTS: 10 (2t) TEST DEBUT: 2016 v Wales in Auckland Showed off his full array of skills in 2016 and was rewarded with his test debut. The scary thing is Ardie is still getting better. HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE 9

10 BRAD SHIELDS POSITION: Loose forward PHYSICAL: 1.93m, 111kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Masterton BLADE THOMSON POSITION: Loose forward PHYSICAL: 1.98m, 106kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Gisborne SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 69 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 40 (8t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2012 v Stormers in Cape Town SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 37 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Crusaders in Christchurch PROVINCIAL CAPS: 51 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Hawke s Bay in Wellington PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL CAPS: 47 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 60 (12t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Manawatu in New Plymouth Named as Wellington s player of the year Brad plays with a level of consistency that few players can achieve. No doubt he will be looking to go up another gear in Blade will be raring to go after missing the Mitre 10 Cup season through injury. He continues to add new strings to his bow and whether lock or loose forward is capable of big things. KYLEM O DONNELL POSITION: Halfback PHYSICAL: 1.79m, 91kg DATE OF BIRTH: TJ PERENARA POSITION: Halfback PHYSICAL: 1.84m, 94kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Porirua SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 0 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: N/A SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: N/A PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL CAPS: 33 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v Counties Manukau in Pukekohe SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 79 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 185 (37t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2012 v Stormers in Cape Town PROVINCIAL CAPS: 15 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Southland in Invercargill Kylem impressed us during the Mitre 10 Cup. He s very competitive and has a good all-around skill set. No doubt he ll be out to make a mark at the Hurricanes. TEST CAPS: 26 TEST POINTS: 30 (6t) TEST DEBUT: 2014 v England in Auckland TJ will be full of confidence after a big year that saw him take his Super Rugby form into the All Blacks. We all know how hard he works and it s great to see him at the top of his game. His leadership and organisation will be key to our backline. 10 HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

11 TE TOIROA TAHUIORANGI POSITION: Halfback PHYSICAL: 1.74m, 85kg DATE OF BIRTH: BEAUDEN BARRETT POSITION: First five-eighth PHYSICAL: 1.87m, 91kg DATE OF BIRTH: in New Plymouth SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 1 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0 SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Kings in Port Elizabeth PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL CAPS: 21 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Wellington in New Plymouth Limited opportunities in 2016, but has all the core skills to be a top halfback in Super Rugby when the opportunity arises. SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 82 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 938 (21t, 163c, 168p, 1d) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2011 v Cheetahs in Bloemfontein PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL CAPS: 26 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 191 (5t, 26c, 38p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Northland in New Plymouth TEST CAPS: 46 TEST POINTS: 263 (16t, 57c, 23p) TEST DEBUT: 2012 v Ireland in Hamilton Beaudy took his game to another level in 2016 and was a big part of the team s success. We ve seen him take that form forward into the All Blacks and we re excited about what he will bring to our game in OTERE BLACK POSITION: First five-eighth PHYSICAL: 1.84m, 86kg DATE OF BIRTH: P SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 7 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 38 (1t, 9c, 5p) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Rebels in Wellington ROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL CAPS: 31 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 281 (1t, 72c, 44p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland in Palmerston North PITA AHKI POSITION: Midfield back PHYSICAL: 1.89m, 96kg DATE OF BIRTH: SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 13 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Bulls in Pretoria PROVINCE: North Harbour PROVINCIAL CAPS: 37 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Manawatu in Palmerston North Otere continues to develop his game as a first five Pita played a limited role in 2016 after being to the highest standards and is a major asset to selected in the New Zealand men s Olympic sevens the club. I m confident he will again make every squad to travel to Brazil. A multi-talented midfield post a winner this season. back with pace and power on attack, the former New Zealand U20s representative will be keen to make his mark in HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE 11

12 JORDIE BARRETT POSITION: Midfield back PHYSICAL: 1.95m, 96kg DATE OF BIRTH: WES GOOSEN POSITION: Midfield back PHYSICAL: 1.79m, 92kg DATE OF BIRTH: SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 0 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: N/A SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: N/A SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 2 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Reds in Wellington PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL CAPS: 12 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 123 (5t, 22c, 18p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Auckland in Christchurch Jordie is coming off a great year where he showed his class with the New Zealand Under 20s and and we re looking forward to helping him transfer that into Super Rugby and further develop his game in PROVINCIAL CAPS: 21 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Waikato in Wellington Wes proved he was ready for Super Rugby last year with a try on debut. He s quick, strong, composed and versatile, which makes him a great asset to the squad. NGANI LAUMAPE POSITION: Midfield back PHYSICAL: 1.77m, 103kg DATE OF BIRTH: MATT PROCTOR POSITION: Midfield back PHYSICAL: 1.80m, 93kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Wellington SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 11 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 20 (4t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies in Canberra PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL CAPS: 10 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Northland in Whangarei Ngani s first year of Super Rugby presented some challenges as he battled a niggly injury and reintegrated to rugby union after so long in league, but he still managed to make his presence felt. He continued his development with Manawatu and it ll be exciting to see him put those improvements on the field in SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 36 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 30 (6t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Stormers in Palmerston North PROVINCIAL CAPS: 43 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Manawatu in Palmerston North Matt started to nail the role of centre in 2016 and was rewarded with selection in the Maori All Blacks. He s become a real leader and one of the rocks in our backline. 12 HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

13 VINCE ASO POSITION: Wing PHYSICAL: 1.96m, 98kg DATE OF BIRTH: CORY JANE POSITION: Wing PHYSICAL: 1.83m: 89kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Lower Hutt SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 16 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies in Canberra SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 111 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 150 (30t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2007 v Reds in Brisbane PROVINCE: Auckland PROVINCIAL CAPS: 28 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v North Harbour in Auckland In his second year of Super Rugby Vince continued to develop his game and fought hard for a starting spot in a highly competitive midfield group. No doubt he will again play a big part in our backline this season. PROVINCIAL CAPS: 74 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 176 (33t, 4c, 1p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2003 v Otago in Wellington TEST CAPS: 52 TEST POINTS: 85 (17t) TEST DEBUT: 2008 v Australia in Hong Kong Cory s understanding of the game was valuable to the team in the run to the title and he will again bring that knowledge and experience to the squad. He ll be refreshed and ready to go after an off season in Japan and no doubt have a bunch of entertaining stories to tell. BEN LAM POSITION: Wing PHYSICAL: 1.94m, 105kg DATE OF BIRTH: NEHE MILNER-SKUDDER POSITION: Fullback PHYSICAL: 1.80m, 90kg DATE OF BIRTH: SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 6 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Stormers in Cape Town PROVINCE: Auckland PROVINCIAL CAPS: 30 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Canterbury in Christchurch Ben s a big, strong, fast wing who is very good at finding the try line. He ll add an exciting element to our outside backs mix. SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 15: SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 20 (4t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Force in Perth PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL CAPS: 35 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Hawke s Bay in Palmerston North TEST CAPS: 7 TEST POINTS: 35 (7t) TEST DEBUT: 2015 v Australia in Sydney Coming off the disappointment of having his Super Rugby season scuppered in week one with a shoulder injury, Nehe is hungrier and fitter than ever heading into the 2017 season. We all know how dangerous he is when he s fit and firing. HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE 13

14 JULIAN SAVEA POSITION: Wing PHYSICAL: 1.92m, 108kg DATE OF BIRTH: in Wellington PETER UMAGA-JENSEN POSITION: Fullback PHYSICAL: 1.85m, 102kg DATE OF BIRTH: SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 88 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 195 (39t) SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2011 v Highlanders in Wellington PROVINCIAL CAPS: 22 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Tasman in Wellington TEST CAPS: 49 TEST POINTS: 225 (45t) TEST DEBUT: 2012 v Ireland in Auckland Struggled for consistency last year, but we saw in the All Blacks that he remains as devastating as ever. He ll be looking for consistency throughout the 2017 Super Rugby season. SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 0 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: N/A SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: N/A PROVINCIAL CAPS: 8 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Hawke s Bay in Napier Still only 19 heading into his first year of Super Rugby, Peter has a huge future. A big, fast back capable of playing in the midfield or the outside backs. He s got plenty of development ahead of him. 14 HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

15 HURRICANES IN 2016 FINISHED 1ST OVERALL AFTER ROUND ROBIN P W D L B PF PA PD B3T B7 PTS PLAYOFFS Quarterfinal: Hurricanes 41 Sharks 0, Saturday 23 July at Westpac Stadium, Wellington Semifinal: Hurricanes 25 Chiefs 9, Saturday 30 July at Westpac Stadium, Wellington Final: Hurricanes 20 Lions 3, Saturday 6 August at Westpac Stadium, Wellington Photos: Getty Images HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE 15

16 16 HURRICANES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I HURRICANES 2017 - SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE CHRIS BOYD Head Coach Boyd will be forever remembered as the first head coach to lead the Hurricanes to an Investec Super Rugby title after