Hurricanes updated Super Rugby squad for 2017

As the 2017 Super Rugby season is closing in, Seven new Hurricanes, including four Super Rugby rookies, feature in the Hurricanes squad for 2017.

Canterbury utility back Jordie Barrett, powerhouse Taranaki loose forward Toa Halafihi, Taranaki halfback Kylem O'Donnell, and Wellington outside back Peter Umaga-Jensen have been selected for their first season of Super Rugby.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said each of the new comers would add an exciting new dimension to the squad.

"It's exciting to have some fresh faces in the team environment and I feel as though we've ended up with a very well balanced squad and some really interesting new options.

"Reed will add physicality and enthusiasm to our loose forward mix, while Sam brings some real size to the second row and took some positive steps during Wellington's provincial season.

"Ben Lam is an experienced player as is Kylem, while Jordie, Toa and Peter are young guys who can't wait to get stuck in at the next level, so they'll bring a lot of energy."

In addition to the freshman class, lock Sam Lousi, loose forward Reed Prinsep, and wing Ben Lam join the Hurricanes for the first time from the Waratahs, Crusaders and Blues respectively.

Forwards: Chris Eves, Reggie Goodes, Ben May, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Loni Uhila, Mike Kainga, Dane Coles, Leni Apisai, Ricky Ricciteli, Mark Abbott, James Broadhurst, Geoff Cridge, Michael Fatialofa, Sam Lousi, Callum Gibbins, Vaea Fifita, Reed Prinsep, Hugh Renton, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Blade Thomson, Toa Halafihi.

Backs: TJ Perenara, Te Toiria Tahuiorangi, Kylem O'Donnell, Beauden Barrett, Otere Black, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Matt Proctor, Pita Ahki, Wes Goosen, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Ben Lam, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Jordie Barrett.

In: Toa Halafihi (Taranaki), Jordie Barrett (Canterbury), Kylem O'Donnell (Taranaki), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Wellington), Ben Lam (Blues), Sam Lousi (Waratahs), Reed Prinsep (Crusaders).

Out: James Blackwell, Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Tony Lamborn, Willis Halaholo (Cardiff), Iopu Iopu-Aso, James Marshall (LOndon Irish), Motu Matu'u (Gloucester), Hisa Sagai, TJ Va'a, Victor Vito (La Rochelle), Jason Woodward (Bristol).