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The Hurricanes have finalized their 2027 coaching group with two new additions, Jermey Thrush and Sam McNicol.
Thrush is just three years removed from an 18-year playing career that included 110 games for the Hurricanes and 12 Tests for All black people. He also spent several seasons with the 41-year-old Gloucester and then Western Force, where he moved into a coaching career. Recently, he was an assistant coach at Australia U20 team.
“I’m extremely excited to re-associate with the Hurricanes,” Thrush said.
“It’s a club that means a lot to me and has given me a lot, and I feel privileged to have been considered for the role.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting the staff and players and contributing to the atmosphere that has been created at the club.”
McNicol is only 31 but has been involved with the Hurricanes’ development teams for several years and has been an assistant coach for Hawke’s Bay in the NPC since 2022.
“I’ve really enjoyed the Hurricanes environment over the last few years with the U20s and Hunters,” McNicol said.
“Joining the Hurricanes coaching staff is an exciting next step for me, and I look forward to working with such a quality group.”
The pair join Roger Randle as newcomers to head coach Clark Laidlaw’s group. Cory Jane and Jamie Mackintosh continue in their well-established roles in the now completed cohort.
“We are extremely excited to have both Thrushy and Sam back at the Hurricanes,” said Laidlaw.
“Thrushy is a centurion, former captain and highly competitive Hurricane who has brought the best out of himself and others, and we think these qualities have served him really well as he embarks on his coaching career in Australia over the last few years.
“Jamie Mackintosh and I have spoken to him about how he sees part of the set-up but also the game in general. We think he can come here and continue to develop as a coach and add to the work that has been done over the past two or three seasons.”
“He coached himself in Hawke’s Bay after he retired early. I remember coaching him as an 18-year-old when he was playing for the Hurricanes Schools team, and he was an outstanding talent.
“He’s had a tough playing career with injuries, but that’s made him coach while he’s young and hungry and really open to learning. He’s done a really good job in Hawke’s Bay, where we’re getting great feedback on his work from our players.”
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming them both to the club and helping them grow as coaches and really make them feel like they belong here again.”