The Hurricanes have named two All Blacks as co-captains ahead of their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign opener.
Coach Clark Laidlaw confirmed that All Blacks vice-captain Jordie Barrett and Du’Plessis Kirifi will lead the team as part of a five-man leadership group.
The Wellington-based club had a bye in round one and will open their campaign against Moana Pasifika this weekend.
Barrett, the current All Blacks vice-captain, steps into his first official captaincy role with the Hurricanes, while Kirifi returns after serving as co-captain last season. The pair will head up the leadership group known as Nga Kaitiaki, alongside Brad Shields, Asafo Aumua and Billy Proctor, who were also part of last year’s leadership structure.
Barrett has made 111 appearances for the Hurricanes, scoring 794 points across his time with the club. The 78-Test All Black said the responsibility was a proud moment in his career.
“It’s a great honour to be backed by the coaches and playing group to co-captain the side alongside Du’Plessis this season,” Barrett said.
“Playing for the Hurricanes has always meant a lot to me and I’m confident we have the squad to have a successful season.”
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Kirifi, who debuted against the Waratahs in 2019 and has earned 93 caps for the Hurricanes, said he was humbled to lead again in 2026.
“Leading the Hurricanes alongside Jordie is not only an honour, but extremely humbling,” he said.
Laidlaw enters his third season in charge after succeeding Jason Holland ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Photo: Mark Tantrum/Getty Images
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The Hurricanes have named two All Blacks as co-captains ahead of their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign opener.
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