Riley Higgins has signed his first professional Super Rugby contract with the Hurricanes which will see him don the yellow jersey for the next two seasons.  

The 20-year-old midfielder joined the Hurricanes squad in 2022 as injury cover, debuting off the bench against the Fijian Drua in Wellington, becoming one of the youngest debutants in the franchise's history.  

Higgins’ Super Rugby debut came before the youngster was yet to play provincial rugby.  

On signing his first professional Super Rugby contract, Riley said: 

“Yeah, it’s a special moment for me. I think last year, the NDC [National Development Contract] was a great steppingstone into the professional environment, but I am definitely excited to finally get a proper contract with the Hurricanes.” 

“Even though I grew up in Christchurch, I was born in Palmy [Palmerston North] and I have always supported the Hurricanes, so it’s a great feeling to be here now,” said Higgins. 

Identified by the Hurricanes in 2019 as emerging talent, Higgins progressed through the Wellington and Hurricanes development pathways, named in the Hurricanes U18s and New Zealand Schools in 2020, followed by the Hurricanes U20s and New Zealand U20s in 2021 and 2022.  

“Riley has come through the academy system and is a good, strong midfielder who we’ve got a lot of time for. He has a bright future ahead of him,” said Hurricanes Head Coach, Jason Holland.  

“Just like many young players, you wait for your time, and work away behind the scenes and now he’s got to that stage. He’s since gone from strength to strength, showing real potential. He’s worked really hard for his spot and is ambitious.” 

The former St Patrick's College Silverstream player was named Wellington U19s co-captain in 2021 and Wellington U19s skipper in a couple of fixtures at the start of the 2022 season.  

He signed his first professional rugby contract with the Wellington Lions NPC side earlier this year, and has since played six matches for the side, dotting down three tries, amassing 15 points.