2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

Transcription

1 2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

2 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 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 the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Boyd was also appointed as the Wellington Lions head coach in 2011, and took up the same role with the New Zealand Under-20s a year later. As Hurricanes head coach he took the team to back to back Super Rugby finals in 2015 and 2016 and reached the semi-finals in JOHN PLUMTREE 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. JASON HOLLAND Assistant Coach Holland had a long and illustrious playing career before entering coaching. A skilful midfielder, Holland played 69 matches for Manawatu between 1991 and 1996 before moving to Taranaki where he racked up another 25 representative caps. But it was in Ireland where Holland made his most lasting impression as a player. He represented Munster more than 100 times, mostly at centre, before transitioning into coaching. He spent five years as Munster s back, attack and skill coach before returning home to New Zealand where he was hired as Canterbury s assistant coach from 2012 to In 2015 he joined the Hurricanes coaching staff and has helped guide the team to two finals including the club s inaugural Super Rugby title in RICHARD WATT Assistant Coach Known to most simply as Watty, he has carved out a reputation as a skilled and respected technically minded coach. As a player, Watt represented the Wellington Lions 18 times as a rugged lock before eventually moving into coaching, first with his club side Poneke Football Club, then in the Wellington representative programme. He became the Wellington Lions assistant coach in 2010 and remained with the side until After holding dual roles with the Lions and Hurricanes until 2016, Watt shifted his full focus into an assistant coaches role with the Hurricanes in He has also worked as a technical advisor with the Samoan national team. DAN CRON Assistant Coach Cron has been adding his scrummaging expertise to the Hurricanes since 2011 when he was then head-coach Mark Hammett s scrum coach. Cron began scrum coaching in 2007 with Northland s representative team, but learned his craft under the tutelage of his father Mike Cron, the current All Blacks forwards coach and a world renowned scrum coach. Dan has also worked extensively in Japan as well as with the Samoan national team. Since joining the Hurricanes, Cron has been instrumental in building the depth and developing the talent of the region s front rowers. He has worked closely with the provincial squads within the region and been heavily involved in the Hurricanes age grade programme. 2 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

3 ASAFO AUMUA DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.77m, 108kg POSITION: Hooker SUPER GAMES: uncappedsuper POINTS: N/A SUPER DEBUT: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 20 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 65 (13t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Hawke s Bay at Napier VINCE ASO DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.96m, 98kg POSITION: Wing SUPER GAMES: 31 SUPER POINTS: 80 (16t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies at Canberra 2017 PROVINCE: Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 38 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 470 (14t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v North Harbour at Auckland COACHES SAY: Aumua burst onto the provincial scene with a hattrick of tries on debut against Northland in 2016 and became a wrecking ball for the Wellington Lions in 2017 as he scored seven tries in 10 matches. His efforts earned a call up to the All Blacks for their northern tour. A St Patrick s College Silverstream produce, Aumua was also a key member of the New Zealand Under 20s squad in COACHES SAY: Made a massive impact during his third year of Super Rugby and finished as the Hurricanes second leading try scorer with 14. Aso s game continues to develop in all areas. Capable of playing midfield or wing and gifted with exceptional pace he will play a big part in the Hurricanes backline in BEAUDEN BARRETT JORDIE BARRETT DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 91kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.95m, 96kg POSITION: First five eighth SUPER GAMES: 97 SUPER POINTS: 998 (25t, 180c, 170p, 1d) SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Cheetahs at Bloemfontein 2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL GAMES: 26 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 191 (5t, 26c, 38p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Northland at New Plymouth TEST CAPS 59 TEST POINTS 432 (23t, 100c, 39p) TEST DEBUT 2012 v Ireland at Hamilton COACHES SAY: The World Rugby Player of the Year in 2016, Barrett continues to dazzle at all levels with his incredible pace and skill. A huge part of the Hurricanes success over the past three seasons he will again be a crucial cog in the backline in POSITION: Fullback/Midfield SUPER GAMES: 17 SUPER POINTS: 133 (7t, 34c, 10p) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Sunwolves at Tokyo 2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL GAMES: 12 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 123(5t, 22c, 18p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Auckland (Canterbury) at Christchurch TEST CAPS 2 TEST POINTS 5 (1t) TEST DEBUT 2017 v Samoa at Albany COACHES SAY: Jordie Barrett burst onto the Investec Super Rugby scene in 2017 with a breakout season at fullback. After gaining an opportunity due to an injury to Nehe Milner-Skudder, Barrett showed he was physically and mentally ready, playing 17 matches and scoring 133 points in his debut season before being selected in the All Blacks. 3 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

4 JAMES BLACKWELL JAMIE BOOTH DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.90m, 106kg POSITION: Lock/Loose forward DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Halfback PHYSICAL 1.71m, 92kg SUPER GAMES: 6 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Sunwolves at Tokyo PROVINCIAL GAMES: 20 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Taranaki in New Plymouth SUPER GAMES: 1 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Kings (Highlanders) at Port Elizabeth 2017 PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL GAMES: 32 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Wellington at Wellington COACHES SAY: A former captain of Wellington College, Blackwell has carved out a reputation as a hard-working and reliable lock or loose forward. Good in the set piece at both scrum and lineout, he has deceptive skills with an ability to offload in contact. COACHES SAY: Booth was a member of the Hurricanes wider training squad in 2015 and after a year away from his home franchise, returns better than ever. Booth is a sharp passer with an eye for a gap with ball in hand. A technically very good passer and kicker the Palmerston North Boys High old-boy brings a competitive edge to everything he does. DANE COLES FINLAY CHRISTIE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 109kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.80m, 82kg POSITION: Hooker POSITION: Halfback SUPER GAMES: 100 SUPER POINTS: 70 (14t) SUPER DEBUT: 2009 v Waratahs at Wellington PROVINCIAL GAMES: 66 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 85 (17t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v Auckland at Wellington SUPER GAMES: 8 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Hurricanes (Chiefs) at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Tasman PROVINCIAL GAMES: 22 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Waikato at Blenheim TEST CAPS 55 TEST POINTS 45 (9t) TEST DEBUT 2012 v Scotland at Edinburgh COACHES SAY: Coles had a disrupted 2017 season due to concussion, but returned for the Hurricanes in the playoffs and brought up his 100th cap in the semi-final against the Lions in Johannesburg. Coles is primed to lead the Hurricanes again in He is a ball-running hooker who has revolutionised his position on the international stage. COACHES SAY: Feisty and competitive would be an accurate way to describe Christie, who was a key part of Tasman s run to the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership final in Born in Scotland, he moved to New Zealand age 7 and attended St Kentigern s College in Auckland before heading to Canterbury to study. Christie is a former New Zealand gymnastics representative. 4 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

5 MURRAY DOUGLAS GARETH EVANS DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL 1.97m, 119kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.90m, 105kg POSITION: Loose forward SUPER GAMES: 3 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Chiefs (Rebels) at Melbourne 2017 PROVINCE: Northland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 10 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Auckland at Auckland SUPER GAMES: 43 SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Blues at Dunedin 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 44 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Harbour (Otago) at Dunedin COACHES SAY: Scottish-born Douglas joins the Hurricanes after two seasons with the Melbourne Rebels. Douglas has a Wellington connection after spending a summer with the famous Petone Rugby Club in 2012 before heading to Melbourne where he made his mark in the Dewar Shield and progressed through the Rebels development team to the Investec Super Rugby squad. COACHES SAY: After shifting south to study Evans quickly found himself selected in the Highlanders squad, but after four years of Investec Super Rugby, the former Napier Boys High School student has decided to shift home to Hawke s Bay to be closer to family and friends. Evans brings an abrasive style laced with plenty of skill and a huge work rate to the Hurricanes. CHRIS EVES MICHAEL FATIALOFA DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 117kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.98m, 113kg POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 62 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Sharks at Durban 2017 PROVINCE: North Harbour PROVINCIAL GAMES: 41 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Hawke s Bay (Manawatu) at Napier SUPER GAMES: 22 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Force at Palmerston North 2017 PROVINCE: Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 55 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Auckland (Southland) at Auckland COACHES SAY: Eves brought up his 50th cap for the Hurricanes in 2017 and adds experience and explosiveness to the engine room. He is widely known for his ball carrying ability, but is a more than capable scrummager and is incredibly durable. Was one of the few Hurricanes to appear in every match in COACHES SAY: After a breakout 2016 season, Fatialofa was building toward an equally impressive 2017 season before injury struck. An athletic lock who is equally adept in the set piece as he is in open play. His return will be a major boost to the squad in I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

6 ALEX FIDOW VAEA FIFITA DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 137kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.96m, 107kg SUPER GAMES: uncappedsuper POINTS: N/A SUPER DEBUT: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 19 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 450 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Hawke s Bay at Napier POSITION: Loose forward/lock SUPER GAMES: 32 SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Blues at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 30 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v North Harbour at Wellington TEST CAPS 3 TEST POINTS 10 (2t) TEST DEBUT 2017 v Samoa at Albany COACHES SAY: Fidow is a devastating ball carrier who is still learning his trade as a front row forward. Young, full of energy and immense potential at the next level of the game. Fidow was marked for bigger things during his time at Scots College and made his presence felt with the Wellington Lions during the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup. COACHES SAY: Fifita continues to improve with every season and will enter 2018 with the benefit of international experience after making an eye-catching debut for the All Blacks against Samoa in A player with immense athleticism, the Tongan-born Wellingtonian can play lock or loose forward and could probably make a good fist of the wing. JACKSON GARDEN-BACHOP REG GOODES DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.83m, 99kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 112kg POSITION: First five eighth/fullback SUPER GAMES: 13 SUPER POINTS: 16 (1t, 1c, 3p) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Blues (Rebels) at Melbourne PROVINCIAL GAMES: 41 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 309 (8t, 88c, 31p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Bay of Plenty at Wellington SUPER GAMES: 60 SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Chiefs at Hamilton PROVINCIAL GAMES: 45 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Tasman at Wellington COACHES SAY: Coming off the back of his debut season of Investec Super Rugby with the Melbourne Rebels Garden- Bachop was the orchestrator of the Wellington Lions 2017 Mitre 10 Cup Championship win. A gifted attacker with a big punt, the former Scots College star is an accurate goal kicker who scored 142 points for the Lions during their championship run. His father Stephen represented Manu Samoa and the All Blacks as a first five. COACHES SAY: Goodes missed all of the 2017 season as he dealt with concussion. The South African born loosehead prop is adept at set piece and a strong ball carrier. 6 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

7 WES GOOSEN SAM HENWOOD DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.79m, 92kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.86m, 109kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 13 SUPER POINTS: 50 (10t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Reds at Wellington PROVINCIAL GAMES: 30 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 65 (13t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Waikato at Wellington POSITION: Loose forward SUPER GAMES: 2 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Force (Chiefs) at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Counties Manukau PROVINCIAL GAMES: 22 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Wellington at Pukekohe COACHES SAY: Goosen is an ever present attacking threat due to his pace and strength. The South African born back is capable of playing in the midfield or wing. A strong fend and very quick feet make him a handful for any defence. COACHES SAY: Henwood has had to be patient since making his Auckland debut in 2010 due to several serious injuries. During his time out of the game he earned a degree in Business and Computer Science at the Auckland University of Technology before resuming his rugby career with Counties-Manukau in The athletic loose forward also managed several off-season stints as a professional player in Portugal. BEN LAM DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.94m, 105kg POSITION: Wing SUPER GAMES: 11 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Stormers at Capetown PROVINCIAL GAMES: 41 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 80 (16t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Canterbury (Auckland) at Christchurch COACHES SAY: Big, strong, and fast Lam ran a sub 11s 100m time while at St Peter s College and quickly made his mark for Auckland and then the New Zealand Sevens team. He had limited opportunities at the Hurricanes during 2017 with just one start, but comes off a strong Mitre 10 Cup campaign with Wellington that saw him score six tries and start 11 of the team s 12 matches. NGANI LAUMAPE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.77m, 103kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 28 SUPER POINTS: 95 (19t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies at Canberra 2017 PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL GAMES: 11 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Northland at Whangarei TEST CAPS 4 TEST POINTS 5 (1t) TEST DEBUT 2017 v B&I Lions at Wellington COACHES SAY: After adjusting to rugby union following a long career in rugby league Laumape became a menace to opposition backlines in He started every match for the Hurricanes and was the team s leading try scorer with 15. His form earned him selection in the All Blacks. A devastating ball carrier with a low centre of gravity and a good all round skill set to match. 7 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

8 SAM LOUISI JONAH LOWE DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL 1.99m, 128kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 92kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 24 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Reds (Waratahs) at Sydney PROVINCIAL GAMES: 19 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Hawke s Bay at Napier SUPER GAMES: uncappedsuper POINTS: N/A SUPER DEBUT: N/A 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 24 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 52 (10t, 1c) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Wairarapa Bush at Napier COACHES SAY: Lousi has quickly taken his game to new levels since returning to New Zealand from Australia where he played several seasons with the Waratahs. Lousi played ten matches for the Hurricanes in 2017 and continued his strong form through the Mitre 10 Cup with Wellington. A former rugby league player who was briefly with the Warriors in the NRL. COACHES SAY: The younger brother of former Hurricanes openside Karl Lowe, Jonah brings a similarly physical approach to the game albeit in the backs. Capable of playing centre or wing he is known for his try scoring ability. Spent 2017 with the Hurricanes and impressed during the preseason. Will be determined to show his wares in Investec Super Rugby. BEN MAY NEHE MILNER-SKUDDER DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.93m, 119kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.80m, 90kg POSITION: Fullback SUPER GAMES: 99 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2007 v Reds (Crusaders) at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 85 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2004 v Thames Valley (Nelson Bays) at Nelson SUPER GAMES: 21 SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Force at Perth 2017 PROVINCE: Manawatu SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL GAMES: 37 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011v Hawke s Bay at Palmerston North TEST CAPS 10 TEST POINTS 50 (10t) TEST DEBUT 2015 v Australia at Sydney COACHES SAY: A hugely experienced prop who can play both sides of the scrum and a popular team man. At 35-years-young he had one of his best seasons in Investec Super Rugby in 2016 as he played in 16 matches with nine starts. COACHES SAY: Desperately unlucky with injury of late, Milner-Skudder will make a belated return to the Hurricanes in 2018 after suffering a shoulder injury playing for the All Blacks against South Africa in October A skilled outside back capable of playing wing or fullback. 8 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

9 T.J PERENARA REED PRINSEP DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 94kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.92m, 108kg POSITION: Halfback SUPER GAMES: 96 SUPER POINTS: 220 (44t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Stormers at Cape Town PROVINCIAL GAMES: 15 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Southland at Invercargill POSITION: Loose forward SUPER GAMES: 15 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Chiefs (Crusaders) at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL GAMES: 33 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v North Harbour at Albany TEST CAPS 39 TEST POINTS 35 (7t) TEST DEBUT 2014 v England at Auckland COACHES SAY: Perenara lead the Hurricanes for much of 2017 in the absence of injured captain Dane Coles. With 96 Hurricanes caps and an incredible 44 tries, he will again be a big part of the Hurricanes attack and defence in COACHES SAY: A versatile and athletic loose forward who can carry the ball well and has a big work rate in defence, Prinsep appeared in 15 of the Hurricanes matches during his first season with the club. Was a member of Canterbury s Mitre 10 Cup Premiership winning side in MATT PROCTOR RICKY RICCITELLI DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.80m, 93kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.75m, 110kg POSITION: Wing/Fullback SUPER GAMES: 43 SUPER POINTS: 40 (8t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Stormers at Palmerston North PROVINCIAL GAMES: 43 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Manawatu at Palmerston North COACHES SAY: Started the opening six matches of 2016 before injury scuppered his season. With 43 Hurricanes caps the Maori All Blacks representative adds pace and vision in the midfield and will be looking to bounce back strongly in POSITION: Hooker SUPER GAMES: 26 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies at Canberra 2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL GAMES: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Horowhenua Kapiti (Hawke s Bay) at Napier COACHES SAY: Riccitelli continues to make every post a winner. Strong in the set piece and with a huge work rate around the field he is reliable and dynamic. Played in every match in 2017 and started in 11. The Francis Douglas Memorial College old boy was also a handy cricketer in his youth. 9 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

10 ARDIE SAVEA JULIAN SAVEA DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.88m, 100kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.92m, 108kg POSITION: Loose forward SUPER GAMES: 65 SUPER POINTS: 80 (16t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Waratahs at Wellington PROVINCIAL GAMES: 31 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 85 (17t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Manawatu at Palmerston North TEST CAPS 22 TEST POINTS 20 (4t) TEST DEBUT 2016 v Wales at Auckland COACHES SAY: One of the game s most explosive loose forwards. Savea has the pace of a back and the strength of a forward. Capable of playing openside or No.8 he will again be a key player in POSITION: Wing SUPER GAMES: 103 SUPER POINTS: 230 (46t) SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Highlanders at Wellington PROVINCIAL GAMES: 32 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 75 (15t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Tasman at Wellington TEST CAPS 54 TEST POINTS 230 (46t) TEST DEBUT 2012 v Ireland at Auckland COACHES SAY: Known as The Bus to many rugby fans Savea has been a try scoring machine throughout his career. He added seven for the Wellington Lions after switching from the left to the right wing during the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup. BRAD SHIELDS TOBY SMITH DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.93m, 111kg POSITION: Loose forward DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.90m, 116kg SUPER GAMES: 86 SUPER POINTS: 45 (9t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Stormers at Cape Town PROVINCIAL GAMES: 59 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Hawke s Bay at Wellington SUPER GAMES: 79 SUPER POINTS: 25 (5t) SUPER DEBUT: 2010 v Blues (Chiefs) at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Waikato PROVINCIAL GAMES: 50 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v North Harbour at Albany TEST CAPS 6 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2015 v USA (Australia) at Chicago COACHES SAY: One of the most consistent and hardworking loose forwards in the game. Shields is known for his leadership and professionalism and will again be a big part of the Hurricanes in COACHES SAY: Australian-born Smith has played six tests for the Wallabies, his most recent in Raised in Hamilton by New Zealand parents he attended Hamilton Boys High School and was a member of the 2008 New Zealand Under-20s squad. He won two Investec Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs in 2012 and 2013 before moving to Melbourne to chase his goal of playing international rugby. 10 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

11 BLADE THOMSON JEFFERY TO OMAGA-ALLEN DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.98m, 106kg POSITION: Loose forward DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.92m, 125kg SUPER GAMES: 39 SUPER POINTS: 40 (8t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Crusaders at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL GAMES: 47 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 60 (12t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Manawatu at New Plymouth COACHES SAY: Injury reduced Thomson s Investec Super Rugby season to just two appearances in 2017, but after a solid offseason he ll be raring to go for the 2018 campaign. Capable of playing lock, blindside or No.8. SUPER GAMES: 86 SUPER POINTS: 20 (4t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Stormers at Cape Town PROVINCIAL GAMES: 32 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Manawatu at Palmerston North COACHES SAY: Sitting on 86 matches, but still only 27, To omaga-allen is a prop in his prime. Fresh off an extended stint with the All Blacks in 2017, the big prop will be looking forward to some extended game time during the Hurricanes season. PETER UMAGA-JENSEN TJ VA A DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Fullback PHYSICAL 1.85m, 102kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.79m, 87kg POSITION: First five eighth SUPER GAMES: uncappedsuper POINTS: N/A SUPER DEBUT: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 8 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Hawke s Bay at Napier SUPER GAMES: uncappedsuper POINTS: N/A SUPER DEBUT: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 3 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Otago at Dunedin COACHES SAY: Injury made his first season something of a false start, but Umaga-Jensen remains a big, fast athlete who is capable of playing in the midfield or the outside backs. COACHES SAY: Knee injuries have sidelined Va a for most of the last three seasons, but still only 21 years old the former New Zealand age grade star has plenty of rugby ahead of him and has worked tirelessly to get himself back to fitness. 11 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

12 ISAIA WALKER-LEAWERE IHAIA WEST DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.97m, 122kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.75m, 84kg SUPER GAMES: uncappedsuper POINTS: N/A SUPER DEBUT: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 18 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Hawke s Bay at Napier COACHES SAY: Walker-Leawere has made giant strides since leaving Gisborne Boys High School and moving to Wellington in A physically imposing lock with great athleticism his game has developed in all areas. A member of the New Zealand Under 20s team for the past two years and increasingly influential for the Wellington Lions. POSITION: First five eighth SUPER GAMES: 44 SUPER POINTS: 357 (9t, 63c, 62p) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Reds at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 62 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 625 (16t, 121c, 99p, 2d) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Counties Manukau at Napier COACHES SAY: West has an electric running game and is an exceptional goal kicker. Showed plenty of promise with the Blues in 2017 including memorably scoring a match-winning try against the British & Irish Lions at Eden Park. He returns to his home Super Rugby province in 2018 and is sure to be a popular addition to the Hurricanes. 12 I HURRICANES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE