Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has moved to allay concerns about New Zealand losing French-eligible lock Patrick Tuifua.
The Hurricanes have revealed their 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific squad with nine new signings along with seven All Blacks.
The inaugural edition of the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition kicked-off with a bang on Sunday as the Chiefs, Highlanders and Crusaders youth sides all picked up victories in their first-up matches.
Japan star Kazuki Himeno will get his first taste of action in Highlanders colours this weekend, but his Super Rugby Aotearoa debut will have to wait another fortnight.
