Hurricanes (rugby union)
The Hurricanes (/ˈhʌrɪkeɪnz/ HURR-ik-aynz; Māori: Hau Āwhiowhio; formerly the Wellington Hurricanes) is a New Zealand professional men's rugby union team based in Wellington that competes in Super Rugby. The Hurricanes were formed to represent the lower North Island, including the East Coast, Hawke's Bay, Horowhenua Kapiti, Manawatū, Poverty Bay, Wairarapa-Bush, Wanganui and Wellington unions. They currently play at Sky Stadium (formerly named Westpac Stadium), having previously played at the now-defunct Athletic Park.
| Union | New Zealand Rugby Union | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The 'Canes | ||
| Founded | 1996 | ||
| Location | Wellington, New Zealand | ||
| Region | East Coast Hawke's Bay Horowhenua Kapiti Manawatū Poverty Bay Wairarapa-Bush Whanganui Wellington | ||
| Ground(s) | Sky Stadium (Capacity: 34,500) | ||
| Coach(es) | Clark Laidlaw | ||
| Captain(s) | Brad Shields | ||
| Most caps | TJ Perenara (155) | ||
| Top scorer | Beauden Barrett (1238) | ||
| League(s) | Super Rugby Pacific | ||
| 2023 | Playoffs: Quarterfinals 5th overall | ||
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| Official website | |||
| www | |||
The Hurricanes had a poor first season in 1996's Super 12, but rebounded in 1997 with a third placing. The team did not reach the play-offs for another five years as they struggled in the bottom four of the table. Since 2003 the Hurricanes have made the post-season play-offs seven times out of fourteen seasons, including the 2006 final, which they lost in foggy weather against the Crusaders 19–12. After hosting but failing to win the final in 2015, the 2016 season was the Hurricanes' best season to date. They won the final 20-3 against the Lions, after again finishing the regular season first and hosting the final.