Hurricanes sign All Black Semisi Ta’eiloa to two-year deal
Friday 2 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 5 reports · updated In this story All Blacks, Ardie Savea, Hurricanes, Moana Pasifika, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Brayden Iose
The Hurricanes have signed 22-year-old loose forward Semisi Ta’eiloa on a two-year contract. The former Moana Pasifika number eight recently made his All Blacks debut during the tour of South Africa. The signing bolsters the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions' squad for the upcoming seasons.
Key facts
5 facts
- Semisi Ta’eiloa signed a two-year deal with the Hurricanes
- Ta’eiloa is a 22-year-old All Blacks number eight
- Ta’eiloa previously played for Moana Pasifika and Southland
- Ta’eiloa made his All Blacks debut against the Sharks and Lions in South Africa
- Fehi Fineanganofo will stay with the Hurricanes until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
The Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Hurricanes, have signed All Blacks loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa on a two-year contract. The 22-year-old joins the Wellington-based side from Moana Pasifika following the collapse of that franchise. Ta’eiloa, who is of Tongan origin, will join the club for the next two seasons.
Ta’eiloa recently made his All Blacks debut during the team's tour of South Africa, appearing in matches against the Sharks and the Lions. He is a specialist number eight who previously played for Southland in the NPC. During his time with Moana Pasifika, he scored 11 tries in 25 appearances.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw expressed excitement regarding the signing, noting Ta’eiloa's "destructive power both in the tackle and in the ball-carry". Laidlaw added, "It's hugely exciting to have him here for pre-season to start growing his game".
The signing comes alongside the news that Fehi Fineanganofo will remain with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Ta’eiloa joins a recruitment list that includes Hunter Morrison, Oliver Haig, and Rohan Wingham.
How it developed
- Fri 2 Oct, 5:00pmThe Hurricanes also announced that Fehi Fineanganofo will remain with the club until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Where reports differ
- One report states Ta’eiloa made 27 NPC appearances and scored six tries for Southland, while another states he made 25 appearances and scored 11 tries for Moana Pasifika.
Compiled from reports by The Post, Stuff, RNZ and NZ Herald.
