The Hurricanes are confident they can retain Jordie Barrett as other New Zealand teams circle, while club legend Julian Savea must turn heads in the next fortnight if he’s to be offered a deal in 2021.
Flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi was the latest Hurricanes contract extension announced on Friday, with the 23-year-old signing until the end of 2023 having formed a dynamic loose forward partnership with Ardie Savea.
Chief executive Avan Lee was excited to secure Kirifi’s signature and said talks were ongoing with other off-contract players, four or five of whom were close to being secured. The in-form Hurricanes have the Super Rugby Aotearoa bye this weekend before hosting the Chiefs next Saturday.
Among those Hurricanes frontliners off contract at season’s end are Vaea Fifita, Ben May, Fraser Armstrong, Gareth Evans, Jackson Garden-Bachop and fellow first five-eighth Fletcher Smith, it is understood.
All Blacks TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Dane Coles, Ngani Laumape and Barrett are all signed with NZ Rugby and the Hurricanes until the end of next season, although Barrett has an option in his contract to explore other franchises in 2021. Older brother Beauden’s Blues were said to be an option when he re-signed.
Lee remained confident that Barrett, who’s been immense for the Hurricanes in their four-match winning streak, would wear the yellow No 15 jersey next year, too.
