The dynamic Asafo Aumua will no doubt be one player to watch closely in 2024.

The explosive hooker has already made big strides in his career, and now with Hurricanes legend Dane Coles retiring from Super Rugby Pacific, Aumua will take on a lot more responsibility in the front row this season.

The Lower Hutt local is of Samoan descent, and has extreme agility, pace and power for a player who belies a 108kg frame.

Having started playing the game from the age of four for Hutt Old Boys Marist, it didn’t take long for Aumua to burst onto the professional scene, kitting out for the Wellington Lions in 2016 at just the age of 19.

He ended up having a breakout season and was the Lions’ leading tryscorer, with six tries in 10 games.

The following year (2017), he was a vital member of the World Cup winning New Zealand U20’s side. In the final against England, Aumua scored a hat-trick in the 64-17 victory. He is only the second player to score a hat-trick in a final.

His scintillating performances continued for the Lions which earned him a call up to the All Blacks northern tour that same year, becoming one of the youngest players to represent New Zealand at 20. The mind-blowing aspect of that was that Aumua had not even tasted Super Rugby by then, making his debut for the Hurricanes against the Crusaders in 2018.

Aumua, who recently bench-pressed 195kgs in pre-season (a club record), earned a recall to the All Blacks squad in 2020 and eventually made his Test debut against Australia. He now has six test caps to his name.

Going into his seventh season with the Hurricanes, Aumua is no player lacking experience having already played 50 matches for the club. The front-rower, who enjoys time with family and playing Fortnite, is a vital cog in this Hurricanes pack and expect his power and X-factor to be on display in 2024.