Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
The Hurricanes have added another scrumhalf to their roster for 2016, signing promising talent Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.
The Rotorua-born 20-year-old has been playing his rugby in Taranaki for the past 2 seasons, and has had a successful year in 2015 as part of both the New Zealand Under 20 World Championship-winning side, followed by selection in the New Zealand Barbarians team.
He was also a major player in his Taranaki club rugby side’s winning season, with his form for New Plymouth Old Boys’ helping to secure him an ITM Cup contract with Taranaki for 2015.
Tahuriorangi described the move to the Hurricanes as a massive opportunity, not only for himself, but his family.
“What the Hurricanes have down there sounds like the perfect place for us, so I’m pretty excited about it all really.
“I’m looking forward to learning from TJ and the other halfbacks. To mix and mingle with all of the players and coaching staff as well is going to be great for my growth as a player and person, so I can’t wait.”
The former Rotorua Boys’ High School student, who has signed on for 2 years with the ‘Canes, said he watched their season closely this year, and it was unfortunate not to see them finish the job as they’d hoped.
“They’ve had an awesome season and were unlucky to not quite get there, but I know that drive will be there again next year to get to the top and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.
“I just want to thank everyone who has been involved so far in giving me this opportunity to further develop my skills and be a part of something special.”
Hurricanes assistant coach Jason Holland worked with Tahuriorangi during the Under 20 campaign and said he was a huge prospect for the future.
“Te Toiroa is an exciting player and he was an integral part of the Under 20 side this year. I know he leads very well and has a great skill set that will fit well with how the Hurricanes play.
“He also has a great character and is very keen to develop his game, and we’re very much looking forward to helping him do that.”