Broadhurst excited by fresh challenge

James Broadhurst has decided he likes what's going on at the Hurricanes and is keen to stay put.

The Taranaki lock has re-signed with the franchise for another two seasons and said there was no team he'd rather be with until the end of 2017.

"I love this team, I love being a Hurricane, and in a way I see the next couple of years as a real opportunity to step up," the second row forward said.

"I'm also excited by the new competition format coming in next year, so to be involved in that during its early stages will bring a fresh challenge to an already exciting competition."

Broadhurst has been with the Hurricanes since 2010, when he made his debut for the side against the Western Force in Wellington.

He has played in seven of the Hurricanes' eight matches this season, and is fast becoming a strong leader within the group.

Coach Chris Boyd said Broadhurst was one of the "Young Turks" of the team whose position in the Hurricanes was crucial beyond the 2015 season.

"Broady is part of that next wave of leadership coming through, so this signing is not only important for him, it's massive for us," Boyd said.

"We've got some young locks around him at the moment, and along with looking after his own game, he'll be charged with the growth and development of those guys as well."

A member of the Hurricanes' 50-match club, Boyd said Broadhurst's desire to bring a consistent level of physicality to the team would be an important aspect of his game going forward.

"He's a big man, he's an important part of this team, and if he continues to focus on bringing that physicality for the remainder of this season and beyond, it will be huge for us."