Canes hold onto some big forwards

 

Props Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Reggie Goodes, along with loose forward Ardie Savea, have all committed to the team until the end of the 2016 season.

 

While all three have been side-lined with injury during the 2014 NPC Cup, Goodes (concussion) should appear again before the end of the season, while Toomaga-Allen (knee) and Savea (shoulder) are expected to return to full-time training when the preseason kicks off.

 

Toomaga-Allen, 23, has been a consistent performer for the Hurricanes throughout his 41 caps, and said he still had a burning desire to win a championship for Hurricanes’ fans.

 

“I’m stoked to be staying because I’m really happy with what we’ve built so far within the team.

 

“I also grew up wanting to be a Hurricane, and that dream has come true. So really, I’m just thankful for the opportunity and blessed to be part of this team for another couple of years.”

 

Savea, 20, said he too couldn’t wait for the 2015 season to roll around.

 

“It was an obvious decision for me to stay here in Wellington, alongside Jules [Julian Savea – his brother], and as part of a team I have a lot of respect for.

 

“Having missed the NPC Cup with my shoulder, I’m even more excited to get back out there and get stuck into some training with the boys.”

 

Goodes said his decision to stay with the Hurricanes boiled down to a couple of key factors.

 

“I’m proud to be a Hurricane. I love playing alongside my mates, and love coming to work every day with a great bunch of guys.”

 

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd sung the praises of all three players, and was looking forward to seeing them come out the other side of injury, hungry for game time.

 

“All three of these guys are class players with a drive and passion for success. What’s exciting is that they’re all still very young, which bodes well for the future, both for them as individuals, and the Hurricanes.”