Following the collapse of Moana Pasifika, the Hurricanes have swooped in to signed number 8, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa for the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
The 22-year-old, who was selected for the All Blacks’ Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa, has signed a two-year deal with the defending champions, further strengthening an already stacked loose forward unit featuring Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Brad Shields and Oliver Haig.
Meanwhile, Ardie Savea, who played more than 100 games for the Hurricanes before joining Moana Pasifika in 2025, has been heavily linked with a move to the Blues.
Ta’eiloa made his All Blacks debut in August, featuring in two matches against the Sharks and Lions in South Africa, but he was not retained for the Bledisloe Cup.
The 22-year-old had attracted interest from across Super Rugby, with the Highlanders publicly confirming their interest in the former Otago Boys’ High School first XV standout before the Hurricanes secured his signature.
