Hurricanes' forward pack retained with four re-signings

The Hurricanes are keeping their forward pack intact for the future, re-signing four players off the back of a strong season so far.

Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Devan Flanders and Pasilio Tosi are staying with the Hurricanes for at least two more seasons.

Loose forwards Shields and Flanders and prop Tosi have committed to two-year contract extensions to stay at the Hurricanes until 2026, while Iose has signed on until 2027.

Notably, Hurricanes captain Shields has re-committed after returning to the club this season after spending five years playing in Europe.

The former England international said he was thrilled to be extending his time with the side.

“The Hurricanes were a team that I looked up to growing up and the team means a lot to my family and I. For me, it’s great that my kids are going to be old enough to remember watching their old man play and I’m looking forward to building on 2024,” said Shields.

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said he was pleased with the way that Shields has led the side this season.

“We’ve got real depth in our loose forwards with quality across the group, it’s been amazing to see how Brad has come back in and shown real leadership,” said Laidlaw.

Included in the four is rising talent Iose, who has signed on for a further three seasons.

He said he was grateful that the Hurricanes have backed him from the start.

“I feel like this is the best place for me to be able to grow my game, and like the other boys, it’s exciting to be able to build on the foundations here in Wellington,” said Iose.

Iose made his debut for the Hurricanes in 2021 and has had an impressive campaign for them so far, putting himself in the conversation to be part of the All Black squad later this year.

Flanders has also extended his stay with the Hurricanes, making 48 appearances so far since his debut in 2020. The 24-year-old is also in contention for All Black selection.

“I’m extremely happy to secure the next two years at this club. We’ve made huge strides and it’s an exciting time to be part of the club. So to commit for another couple of seasons and be able to grow the connections we have built is exciting," said Flanders.

The Hurricanes take on Moana Pasifika tomorrow at Sky Stadium with kick off at 7:05pm.

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