Hurricanes Sign Quartet for 2025

June 27, 2024
1215
Ultimate Rugby

The Hurricanes announced the signings of halfback, Jordi Viljoen and lock Tom Allen on two-year deals, as well as the re-signings of midfielder/winger Bailyn Sullivan and prop Pouri Rakete-Stones (both 2025)

Signing on for 2025 and 2026, Allen and Viljoen represent a new wave of Hurricanes talent, having both come through the Hurricanes development pathway programme.

20-year-old Viljoen, follows in the footsteps of his father, Joggie – who played for the club during the 2000 season.

The diminutive halfback, who spent time at renowned rugby nurseries, Palmerston North Boys High School and Hastings Boys High School is promoted to the squad fulltime, having spent 2023 on a National Development Contract. Viljoen started the 2024 season in the wider training group and making his debut against the Western Force in week one.

The Manawatū Turbos player said he was keen to build on the learnings gained during the past two seasons with the side, which saw him make three appearances for the senior side.

“it’s a massive blessing for me to sign with the Hurricanes, it’s been an amazing season on and off the field. To be able to follow in my dad’s footsteps and pave my own path has been an absolute privilege.”

Viljoen added, “Coming through the Hurricanes pathway, this has always been a goal of mine, so to be able to commit for the next two seasons is awesome.”

For Allen, the robust lock, has long been tipped for the top level, having made the NZ Under 20 side, straight out of school – before making his maiden provincial bow, aged just 19 in 2023.

Also out of Hastings Boys High School, Allen said he was happy to commit to the Hurricanes, ahead of his second year in the NZ Under 20s.

“Rugby has been a big part of my life, and to be able to sign a full-time contract with the Hurricanes is a great start. Spending this year on an NDC (National Development Contract) has been great for my growth as a player and a person, so to be able to be in this environment for the next few seasons is exciting.”

Hurricanes Recruitment and Development Manager, Darren Larsen who has worked with both players since under 16 level said, it’s proof that the development systems in New Zealand can provide real outcomes for Super Rugby clubs.

“It’s a credit to all of those who have worked with both Jordi and Tom. The time and effort that goes in from a young age to grow these young men, on and off the field is amazing. Both are products of academies from within the Hurricanes region, so to have homegrown talent commit to the club shows the pathway is there.”

For Sullivan, who initially joined the Hurricanes in 2022, he said he was proud to extend his time at the Hurricanes for a further season.

“I’m really enjoying my rugby with the Hurricanes, after coming back from shoulder surgery. It’s been great to get games under my belt and the environment which we are collectively creating at the Hurricanes, is a key reason for signing on again.”

A  Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV representative, the 25-year-old has made 23 appearances for the Hurricanes since his move from the Chiefs.

Having joined the Hurricanes ahead of the 2020 season Rakete-Stones, echoed Sullivan - “I’m enjoying my rugby and I love this region, to be able to represent the team week in, week out has been amazing and with the connections we have built, it was an easy decision to re-sign.”

Head Coach Clark Laidlaw was pleased the quartet decided to commit to the Hurricanes.

“These young men are all products of our region, Bailyn took the long road to the Hurricanes, Pouri has been here for five seasons, it shows that players are proud to represent where they are from. For Jordi and Tom, this represents the next steps in their careers, becoming full-time rugby players and having the ability to leave their legacy in the jersey.”

Both Rakete-Stones and Sullivan are currently in Japan with the Māori All Blacks, while Allen is in South Africa for the World Rugby U20 Championship.