Hurricanes farewell departing players and coach

The Hurricanes have today confirmed that Tevita Mafileo, Bailyn Sullivan, Lucas Cashmore, Tom Allen, and assistant coach Bryn Evans have departed the club.

An experienced tighthead prop, Mafileo played 68 times for the Hurricanes after debuting for the club against the Stormers in 2020. Since then, his performances have earned him three call-ups to the All Blacks and one appearance for the All Blacks XV.

“Thank you to everyone who made my time at the Hurricanes special. I’ll forever cherish the memories, the experiences, and the lifelong brothers I’ve gained along the way. Grateful for every moment. #270 signing out,” Mafileo said.

After five seasons in Wellington, Sullivan became the 73rd Hurricane to play 50 matches for the club in May and scored four tries off the bench against the Chiefs last year to equal the team record for most tries scored by a Hurricanes player in a match. 

The 27-year-old utility back also captained the Māori All Blacks and played twice for the All Blacks XV while with the Hurricanes. 

“I’ve thoroughly loved my time being part of such a special group of people during my time at the Hurricanes, so thank you to everyone that has been part of this journey. Stay hearty,” Sullivan said.

Cashmore made his Hurricanes debut against the Fijian Drua in February, eight months after it was announced he was leaving the club at the end of the 2025 campaign. Now a two-time Super Rugby Pacific champion, the 23-year-old first-five went on to earn six Hurricanes caps after returning as a season-long injury replacement.

“I’m super grateful for what the Hurricanes have provided me and my family over the past two years. I’ve enjoyed every moment and it was awesome to go out with a Super Rugby Pacific championship,” Cashmore said.

A product of the club’s age-grade system, Allen made his Super Rugby Pacific debut against the Highlanders in May. In total, the former Hurricanes U18 and U20 lock – who also represented the New Zealand Schools and New Zealand U20 sides while involved with the Hurricanes – made two appearances this season.

“I’m grateful for what the players, coaches, and management have done for me and my family. The club has provided an awesome stepping stone for my career, and life in general. I’ve enjoyed my time at the Hurricanes and am excited about my next opportunity with Scarlets in Wales,” Allen said.

Evans departs after three seasons as a Hurricanes assistant coach, a role which saw him take charge of lineouts and restarts. An ex-Hurricanes and All Blacks lock, the 41-year-old also featured as an All Blacks assistant coach last year. 

“It was never hard to get in the car and head out to NZCIS to go to work. I loved it. Coaching alongside great staff with a playing group who always wanted to get better was a privilege. It was great to be part of the Swirl again, now it’s time for a new experience and a new adventure,” Evans said.

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw paid tribute to the departing quintet, acknowledging the contributions of all five individuals, particularly throughout this year’s title-winning campaign.

“After a hugely successful season, it’s the time where people change and move in different directions. With confirmation that these boys are leaving, I just want to say a huge well done and congratulations on their contributions to the club,” Laidlaw said.

“Bailyn and Tevita, in particular, are half centurions and have made a huge contribution to the team over a number of years. We wish them both well on their journeys and their continued careers.

“Cashy and Tom have decided to pursue opportunities overseas to further their young careers. We look forward to watching them from afar, and who knows, they're young enough that they could end up back in New Zealand rugby at some point.

“Bryn’s also made a massive contribution to the Hurricanes over the past three years. His creativity around our lineout attack and some of the set piece tries he created with the boys this year were special. We’re going to miss him and his family around the club and wish him well.”