Shock at All Black departure
REACTION: Officials reacted with shock at the announcement that one of the most respected members of the Hurricanes squad and a one-time all black has joined the European exodus.
It was announced on Friday that Matt Proctor will join former Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd at Premiership franchise Northampton, after the 2019 Super Rugby season.
The revelation comes a just a day after the Hurricanes confirmed that Asafo Aumua and Salesi Rayasi have extended their contracts with the franchise.
Hurricanes Chief Executive Avan Lee reacted with shock at the announcement.
“We’re disappointed,” Lee said in an interview with Stuff.
“I’ve been in touch with Matt myself and said that we’re really disappointed that you are going, but we respect the decision and understand his reasons.
“As a rugby fan first and foremost someone like him, who has been in and around the All Blacks for a while, been a strong Super Rugby player, only just been capped, you could see it and say he’s just kicking on the door, but he’s got his own reasons.
“Clearly the financial offer is significant and a big part of it, but if he was an established All Black I don’t think he’d be doing the same thing.”
The 26-year-old has been an integral part of the Hurricanes squad in recent seasons and he will again be a key member of the franchise under new coach John Plumtree in the upcoming Super Rugby season.
“While we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of Matt’s ability we know he is totally focused on the job he has to do here before he leaves for the next stage of his career,” Plumtree said.
✍🏽 All Black, Green & Gold
We are delighted to announce that centre Matt Proctor will join Saints from Hurricanes for the 2019/20 season 🔥#BelieveInSaints
— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) January 11, 2019
Proctor has made 52 appearances for the Hurricanes since he made his debut in 2013 against the Stormers.
A former New Zealand Under-20 representative, Proctor made his New Zealand Maori debut in 2013 and was selected for the All Blacks in 2018 when he made his test debut against Japan.
“From our perspective, we can see that progression, but you could also argue he may have had more of an opportunity over the last three seasons within the All Blacks that might have changed his decision,” Lee said.
“He would have loved to have played more games for New Zealand and been a core All Black, but there’s a lot of talent around in that position.
“He could have signed on for one more year and seen what happens beyond the World Cup, but clearly he’s got an offer in front of him that’s he’s decided to accept.
“I’m not critical of Matt Proctor. I would have loved to have seen him stay longer at the Hurricanes and become a 50 or 60-cap All Black because we genuinely think he’s that good.”
Proctor’s Hurricanes teammate and fellow All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder is also set to leave the franchise after the 2019 season, with the electric 28-year-old linking with French franchise Toulon.
Sources: stuff & hurricanes.co.nz
Local products Asafo Aumua and Salesi Rayasi extend their Canes contracts.https://t.co/T9KN8zFQyw
— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) January 11, 2019
