Back to back Investec Super Rugby titles proved a bridge too far, but already all signs point to another championship push in 2018 for a Hurricanes club on the rise.

Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said players, coaches and fans would share the feeling of an annoying pebble under their beach towel over summer after the semi-final loss to the Lions in Johannesburg 

However, Boyd also said there was a feeling of optimism around the organisation that the momentum built over the past three seasons would spill into 2018.

"There is no doubt the support we've received over the past three seasons has been a big part of our recent success and I know it means a lot to our players.

"Our support from fans and sponsors over the past three seasons undoubtedly helps us attract players to the club and to retain those who are already here and I am very excited about how the roster is looking for 2018 and beyond."

New signings for 2018 have already included experienced Wallabies prop Toby Smith, live-wire Tasman halfback Finlay Christie, and the Hawke's Bay pair of loose forward Gareth Evans and first five Ihaia West.

"Those players will bring a mix of experience and excitement in key positions and with young players like hooker Asafo Aumua and prop Alex Fidow were emerging from the development programme we are in good shape," Boyd said.  

"We had some long-term injuries this season to key players like Michael Fatialofa, Blade Thompson, Reggie Goodes, Matt Proctor and Dane Coles which highlighted again how important is to have quality depth in your squad."

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said the team's results had been mirrored by the club's advances off the field.

"We are all disappointed not to have reached our goal of going back to back in 2017, but equally we are excited about where we are heading," he said. "To reach two Investec Super Rugby finals and a semifinal in three years has been a good result and we are grateful that our fans have voiced their approval by signing up to be part of the fun."

Hurricanes season membership numbers have increased from 1900 in 2015 to 4520 in 2016, and now a Canes Army of 6,697 in 2017, while average crowds at Westpac Stadium rose by around eight percent over the same period.

Lee believed on field results were only part of the reason fans had returned to the Hurricanes fold.

"The team have played some exceptional rugby and that's a credit to the players and to Chris Boyd, John Plumtree and their coaching team, but we believe we have delivered good value to our support base.

"We took a punt and gave our members free tickets to the finals series in 2016 and 2017 we will be doing that again in 2018 if we are good enough to earn a home playoff."

Hurricanes 2018 memberships will go sale shortly with Platinum members to be promised free tickets to any playoff match at Westpac Stadium, Silver members to the semi-final and final, and Bronze to the final.

Memberships will start at $129 for adults, with a special deal of $149 for one adult and one child to enjoy the family zone.