Big boost for Hurricanes
Paul Cully
The Hurricanes have secured the services of locks Isaia Walker-Leawere and Caleb Delany until 2026 and 2027, respectively, as their happy camp proves to be a major weapon in the ongoing battle to retain talent.
Walker-Leawere, 27, and Delany, 24, have been slightly unsung heroes in the Hurricanes’ impressive first half of Super Rugby Pacific, but their work rate and physicality are treasured by the side’s coaching group.
“It's a great news to get those guys signed and for the next few years and in terms of where they can go, I think the sky’s the limit for those two fellas,” lineout coach Bryn Evans said yesterday.
“They’re always eager to learn and get better.”
The pair fronted media yesterday after the deals were announced, and were anticipating a major challenge from the Drua in front of a passionate crowd in Suva, although the evening kickoff should make the heat and humidity more tolerable.
But, both also made mention of the bonds within the current Hurricanes squad, which made it a hard place despite Walker-Leawere hinting there were other offers on the table.
“It was pretty straightforward,” said the 197cm Māori All Black.
“Other things came into play when I was making the decision, but the way that the group has finally been gelling after a few years together ... it looks exciting.
“A few of us older boys have been together for a while now, and the younger boys have played a few years now. And we’re having fun while we do it.”
Delany credited coach Clark Laidlaw for managing a group that is stacked with talent, which invariably means good players miss out.
“I think he’s done a great job so far,” Delany said. “There’s obviously great players that aren’t playing at the moment.
“They’re bringing the edge at training, and they are getting the opportunities as well.
“So, it’s about finding that balance. That is tough for him, but I think so far he’s done a great job of it and I think it’s showing out on in the field.”
Fiji, of course, is the sort of place that can bring teams crashing back to earth in a hurry. The Hurricanes lost 27-24 against the Drua in Suva last year, when Lea were-Walker was sent off for two yellow-card offences.
Evans, by contrast, actually tasted success in Fiji as a player with the Highlanders in 2022, but there is no doubt that the Drua are a different beast in 2024.
The Hurricanes have made a number of changes after beating the Chiefs last week, with All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax and in-form No 8 Brayden Iose left out of the 23 entirely.
However, Delany warned the Hurricanes couldn’t afford to fall back into old habits and take the foot off the accelerator against the Drua.
“It’s very important,” he said. “We can’t slack off now. We’ve got to keep going on that uptrend.
“I think we in the past slacked off a bit in the second half of the season. So, it’s important we get this one this week.”*