The Hurricanes have announced two All Blacks as their co-captains ahead of their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific opener in 2026, after having the bye in round one.
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has named All Blacks vice-captain Jordie Barrett as one of the team’s co-captains, while one of last year’s captains, Du’Plessis Kirifi, will partner Barrett at the head of their five-man leadership group.
The two All Blacks won’t be alone in their leadership of the Wellington-based franchise, being helped by a group known as Nga Kaitiaki, led by Barrett and Kirifi alongside last year’s co-captains Brad Shields, Asafo Aumua, and Billy Proctor.
Despite Barrett being the All Blacks vice-captain, this will be his first official captaincy role with the Hurricanes, while Kirifi will return to his role from last season.
Barrett has played 111 times for the Hurricanes across several seasons, scoring 794 points for the club.
Kirifi, on the other hand, has made 93 appearances for the Wellington-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise, debuting against the Waratahs in 2019.
Barrett, who has 78 Test caps says that although he and Kirifi are the captains, they have strong leadership behind them throughout the whole franchise.
He says it is a great honour to be backed by the coaches and playing group to co-captain the side alongside Du’Plessis this season.
The new co-captain says playing for the Hurricanes has always meant a lot to him, and he is confident they have the squad to have a successful season.
The Hurricanes play Moana Pasifika at 6.05pm Friday.
In other games, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua meet the Waratahs at 8.35pm Friday, the Highlanders will face the Chiefs at 6.05pm Saturday, the Force will meet the Chiefs at 8.35pm while the Crusaders play the Brumbies at 2.35pm Sunday.
Source: rugbypass.com
