Ruben Love returns to start against Moana Pasifika for Round 4

Hurricane #277, Ruben Love, is returning to the field post injury to play in his first game of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby season. Love, made his debut for the All Blacks in 2024 and will bring his experience to the Hurricanes backline, combining with Ngatungane Punivai and Kini Naholo in the back three. 

North Harbour Stadium will host the Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika fixture. The Hurricanes have played at North Harbour Stadium only once before, against the Blues in 2010 taking the win 34-20. Hurricanes coaching staff Bryn Evans and Cory Jane played in that game.

It’ll be the first time where Ardie Savea is in the opposition side, but the Hurricanes have strong loose forward options with co-captain Brad Shields, Brayden Iose and All Black Peter Lakai set to take the field from kick-off.  In other changes, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi and Cam Roigard will add real impetus when they take the field from the bench. Eretara Enari starts at half-back while Siale Lauaki is at loosehead.

Off the bench the Hurricanes will look to debut two new recruits this season, Nic Souchon at hooker and Jone Rova.

Hurricanes Head Coach, Clark Laidlaw said "Moana Pasifika have been very competitive this season and have gone up a few notches from last year, they have played well in all 3 games, and we will need to play well to get a win. There are a couple of areas that we need to work on post the Blues game but we’re ready for another tough game."

“Ruben Love is back after injury which is great news, and we have some potential debuts off the bench which is exciting.”

The Hurricanes and Moana Pasifika will have a rematch in Round 16 on 31 of May back at SKY Stadium.

1. Siale Lauaki  

2. Jacob Devery  

3. Tevita Mafileo  

4. Caleb Delany  

5. Isaia Walker-Leawere  

6. Brad Shields (Co Captain)  

7. Peter Lakai  

8. Brayden Iose  

9. Ereatara Enari  

10. Harry Godfrey  

11. Kini Naholo  

12. Peter Umaga-Jensen   

13. Bailyn Sullivan  

14. Ngatungane Punivai   

15. Ruben Love  

 Impact   

16. Nic Souchon (debut)  

17. Xavier Numia  

18. Pasilio Tosi  

19. Hugo Plummer  

20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (Co Captain)  

21. Cam Roigard  

22. Riley Hohepa  

23. Jone Rova (debut)