A trio of Hurricanes backs have recommitted to the Hurricanes for at least the next two seasons. First-five Brett Cameron and midfielders Peter Umaga-Jensen and Riley Higgins signed on the dotted line after the Hurricanes strong start to the 2024 season.
Umaga-Jensen, who made his debut in 2018 against the Reds, said he was keen to re-sign with the club, who gave him his first crack at Super Rugby as a fresh faced 20-year-old out of Scots College.
“It’s cool to re-sign with the club, I’ve been here a long-time now and it’s great to be able to represent the club in front of our fans here. It’s been a great season so far, and it’s exciting for my family that my sons will be able to have memories of their dad playing for this team.”
Riley Higgins, the 21-year-old St Pat’s Silverstream product, has similar sentiments having initially joined the club in 2022 as a development player, before being promoted to the full squad in 2023.
“I grew up watching footy and supporting the Canes. The past two seasons have been amazing to be a part of my hometown team. It’s awesome to continue my time with a team I love.”
Both Higgins and Umaga-Jensen came through the Hurricanes development pathway via the schools’ programme, U20s and into the senior squad along the way.
Whanganui product, Cameron – took the long path to the Hurricanes, with the Turbos pivot spending 2018-2021 with the Crusaders and a season in Japan before he joined the Hurricanes in 2023. Injury curtailed his first season, but the 27-year-old is enjoying a breakout campaign.
“I’m really enjoying my time here, we’ve had a great start and to sign on again is great – the group we have here is really special, we’re a tightknit group and it’s been showing on field.”
Head Coach, Clark Laidlaw was pleased to have the trio extend their stays with the club.
“They’re all really important players for us who are coming into key periods of their careers. Peter has been with the club for several seasons and is a proven Super Rugby player. BC has played a crucial role, driving our team around the field and continues to grow his confidence around tactical awareness and leadership.”
On Higgins, “Riley made his debut, while he was on a development contract and he’s had a few runs this season where he’s been able to show his ability and form combinations, both on attack and defensively.”
The Hurricanes take on the Chiefs, this Friday 24 May at 7:05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato, before returning to Sky Stadium to take on the Highlanders on Saturday 1 June at 4:35pm for Heritage Round.