New signing for Hurricanes

TRANSFER NEWS: The Hurricanes have added two more players to their roster for the next two seasons after the signing of prop Fraser Armstrong and loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi.

Armstrong, 26, was part of the Hurricanes in 2018 and has agreed to a two-year extension at the club after impressing in his rookie season when he made eight appearances.

Kirifi, 21, had a breakthrough year for the Wellington Lions as they won the 2017 NCP championship Cup and has continued that excellent form at the start of the 2018 season.

He trained with the Hurricanes as injury cover during the 2018 Investec Super Rugby competition when his work was well and truly noticed.

Armstrong said he grew up loving the Hurricanes and was looking forward to extending his time with the club.

“I have felt my game is continuing to develop at the club and I’m getting to at a point where I can really challenge for a spot in the playing squad,” he said.

Another Francis Douglas Memorial College old boy to join the Hurricanes, Kirifi was equally delighted.

“The opportunity to be part of this club is one I’m extremely grateful for,” he said.

“I’ve wanted to pull the Hurricane’s jersey on for as long as I remember. Its a huge privilege and I’m extremely fortunate I get the chance to contribute to the club’s legacy.”

Kirifi said it had taken a lot of hard work and sacrifice to get to this point of his career.

“I’ve made some massive shifts in the last year, both on and off the field, and had some pretty tough conversations along the way. I’m very blessed to have such supportive and honest people in my corner.”

Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree expected both players to make their presence felt during the next two seasons.

“From my experience working with the pair they have certainly got the sort of attitude I’m looking for in our players moving forward.”