Devan Flanders to depart Hurricanes following 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season

The Hurricanes can confirm that Devan Flanders will depart the club to move to Japan following the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Flanders remains available and fully committed to the Hurricanes throughout the 2026 campaign, where he will play a key role both on and off the field.

 A long-serving member of the Hurricanes, Flanders is a product of the club’s development system, having played for the Hurricanes U18 and U20 teams before making his senior debut against the Stormers in 2020.

He has since gone on to play 66 matches for the club over seven seasons, making his 50th appearance against the Chiefs in 2024.

At provincial level, Flanders has featured 77 times for Hawke’s Bay in the NPC, claiming the Ranfurly Shield on two occasions and the NPC Championship in 2020.

Internationally, he has represented the All Blacks XV, won the 2018 Oceania Rugby U20 Championship with New Zealand U20, and was awarded the Jerry Collins Memorial Bronze Boot while with the New Zealand Schools team in 2017.

“Wellington has become my second home, and I’ve truly appreciated the support from the community,” Flanders said.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time with the Canes, and the club is definitely in good hands moving forward.”

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw acknowledged Flanders’ decision to head abroad and recognised his contribution to the club.

“Devan's a true product of the region, played all his rugby for Hawke’s Bay and the Hurricanes, and has grown into an amazing man and a really good rugby player,” Laidlaw said.

“He’s done an amazing job with the coaches this year. An example of that is in the defensive lineout, where he’s a real leader now in an area of the game that is important.

“We’re going to miss him for sure, but we wish him and Mariah all the best with his future career. We look forward to continuing to connect and welcoming him home and back into the club whenever he wants to be back, because he’s a true Hurricane.”