2017 Hurricanes Squad

..Seven new Hurricanes including four Super Rugby rookies feature in the Hurricanes squad named today to defend the Super Rugby title in 2017.

Canterbury utility back Jordie Barrett, powerhouse Taranaki loose forward Toa Halafihi, Taranaki halfback Kylem O'Donnell, and Wellington outside back Peter Umaga-Jensen have been selected for their first season of Super Rugby.

In addition to the freshman class, lock Sam Lousi, loose forward Reed Prinsep, and wing Ben Lam join the Hurricanes for the first time from the Waratahs, Crusaders and Blues respectively.
FORWARDS  

Props (6): Chris Eves (Manawatu), Reggie Goodes (Wellington), Ben May (Hawke's Bay), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Wellington), Loni Uhila (Waikato), Mike Kainga (Taranaki).

Hookers (3):  Dane Coles (Wellington) (c), Leni Apisai (Wellington), Ricky Riccitelli (Hawke's Bay).

Locks (5): Mark Abbott (Hawke's Bay), James Broadhurst (Taranaki), Geoff Cridge (Hawke's Bay), Michael Fatialofa, (Auckland), Sam Lousi (Wellington).

Loose forwards: (8) Callum Gibbins (Manawatu), Vaea Fifita (Wellington), Reed Prinsep (Canterbury), Hugh Renton (Hawke's Bay), Ardie Savea (Wellington), Brad Shields (Wellington), Blade Thomson (Taranaki), Toa Halafihi (Taranaki).

BACKS

Halfbacks (3): TJ Perenara (Wellington), Te Toiroa Tahuiorangi (Taranaki), Kylem O'Donnell (Taranaki).

 

First five-eighth (2): Beauden Barrett (Taranaki), Otere Black (Manawatu).
Midfield (4): Vince Aso (Auckland), Ngani Laumape (Manawatu), Matt Proctor (Wellington), Pita Ahki (North Harbour), Wes Goosen (Wellington).

Outside backs (6): Cory Jane (Wellington), Julian Savea (Wellington), Ben Lam (Wellington), Nehe Milner-Skudder (Manawatu), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Wellington).

Utility back (1): Jordie Barrett (Canterbury).

 

 ...The Hurricanes squad includes 31 players who took part in the 2016 campaign and will again be captained by hooker Dane Coles.

Fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder is fit and fully recovered from the shoulder injury that kept him out of most of the 2015 campaign, while halves TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett and wings Cory Jane and Julian Savea will ensure there is plenty of experience in the backline.

Up front Taranaki prop Mike Kainga joins the squad on a fulltime basis after being called in late last year for the final push to the title.

The Hurricanes' season begins in Japan against the Sunwolves on February 25 and includes eight home matches against Rebels, Highlanders, Waratahs, Brumbies, Stormers, Cheetahs, Chiefs and Crusaders.
Dominion Post

 Yeah Brycy great squad that backline is looking good. Team prob should look like this
15. Skudder14. Jane13. Laumape/Proctor12. J Barrett11. Savea10. B Barrett9. Peranara8. Shields7. A Savea6. V Fifita5. Broadhurst4. Fatiloafa3. Goodes2. Coles (c)
1. Toomaga-Allen
16. Ricky Ricatelli17. Chris Eves18. Ben May19. Sam Lousi20. Blade Thomson21. Kylem O'Donnell (Had a stand out Mitre Ten Cup)22. Otere Black (Glad Canes held onto him, good enough to start for other super rugby sides)23. Ben Lam (Had a few years at the Blues, he could be another Fekitoa or Naholo, players that were at the Blues, and had breakout years at other super rugby franchies. He has potential, from what I have seen)