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super-rugby-pacific
Fresher than his All black people debut in South Africa, Semisi Ta’eiloa put pen to paper on a deal with the reigns Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Hurricanes.
After Ardie Savea signed for the Blues, Ta’eila’s services were arguably the next hottest properties from Pacific Ocean collapse, with most of New Zealand’s five Super Rugby franchises closing in on the mighty No.8.
The 22-year-old was born in Auckland but moved to the Southland during high school, suggesting that Blues and Highlanders may be potential landing sites but Hurricanes Head coach Clark Laidlaw appears to have delivered the winning pitch.
The resulting deal will see Ta’eiloa join the defending champions on a two-year deal, fighting for minutes in a loose unit that took Super Rugby by storm in a historically dominant 2026 campaign. Ta’eiloa joins the boy Otago Boys’ High School product Oli Haig as new faces in back row action.
“It’s great that Semisi is joining us on a two-year deal. He has a lot of potential as he has played in Super Rugby Pacific for a number of years,” said Laidlaw.
“The first time I saw him play was when he was in the game South Africa with New Zealand U19 side three or four years ago. His destructive power both in handling and passing the ball was evident.
“To be selected by the All Blacks to go to South Africa this year shows the potential he has. We’re really looking forward to working with him and helping him fulfill that potential over the next few years. He’s only 22 and his game will develop and grow.”
“He is someone who has already played Super Rugby at such a high level and played so well at such a young age, and he will complement the guys we already have.
“It’s hugely exciting to have him here for pre-season to start developing his game and getting him to understand how we want to play the game, and we can’t wait to welcome him to the club.”
The Hurricanes already have two explosive No.8s on their roster: Brayden Iose and rising All Blacks star Peter Lakai, both of whom have a year left on their contracts. The Hurricanes’ most notable departure from the championship season was powerful blindside wing Devan Flanders.
For Ta’eilou, the move to New Zealand’s capital for his third and fourth season in Super Rugby gives him the opportunity to get to know and use the experience of his former England international Brad Shields and captain Du’Plessis Kirifi as they compete for silverware for the first time in their careers.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Hurricanes,” Ta’eiloa said. “It’s exciting to be part of such a proud region and I can’t wait to get started. Little.”
