'Another James Lowe or Gibson-Park': Irish glee as New Zealand lose 'next Dan Carter'

The loss of Hurricanes’ first five-eighth Aidan Morgan to Ireland club Ulster on a two-year deal was met with excitement and resignation from both countries.

The reaction from New Zealand fans was one of resignation, acceptance of Morgan’s move after sitting on the sidelines with the Hurricanes behind other first fives.

After moving down from Auckland, for most of his stint with the club he bid his time behind Jackson Garden-Bachop and then the returning Brett Cameron, while at times Ruben Love played at No 10.

In his 25 Super Rugby caps over three seasons he started 20 times, often against the weaker teams as part of a wider squad rotation. He flashed playmaking ability, elusive running and excellent goal kicking as a rounded first five prospect.

Hurricanes’ fans reacted with understanding to the deal given the lack of game time, but were saddened by the ‘big loss’. One fan felt that they had lost ‘our next Dan Carter’ from a player dubbed as a future All Black.

He’s a pretty raw prospect right now but has shown glimpses of what he can be. Has been touted for a while as a future AB 10. Can certainly be a game breaker like Mo’unga or DMac. Still hard to tell tho as the resurgence of Brett Cameron has kept him as a backup.

— BenM (@benmsports) May 27, 2024

The Irish reaction was understandably quite chuffed at having an Irish-qualified prospect at just 22-years-old land with Ulster.

After the success of Ireland internationals James Lowe, halfback Jamison Gibson-Park and Bundee Aki, all signed out of New Zealand Super teams, expectations are high that Morgan will become the next gem.

The coup was described as “huge”, potentially a “great signing” for a young player with so many games under his belt already.

What a huge signing for Ulster and Ireland, we could be looking at Jack Crowleys competition.

Aidan Morgan joins Ulster Rugby from Hurricanes until at least June 2026.

Auckland-born fly-half, who turns 23 next month and is Irish-Qualified through his Belfast-born grandfather…

— Joe Naughton (@JoeNaConnacht) May 27, 2024

Really look forward to see how this pans out.

The IQ market, however small, has brought in a few gems in recent years.

Aidan Morgan is young, quick, elusive and has played top level rugby. Could be a really great signing for Ulster and Ireland https://t.co/LdHlHX73l4

— CaolanSRugby (@CaolanSRugby) May 27, 2024

Aidan Morgan is 22 yrs old and has nearly 25 games in super rugby so far. For NZ that's probably about par. But in Irish terms you'd be lucky to have a third of these numbers. 10 of them came when he was 20yrs old.
He's got decent experience.
No Drop goals though Aidan. Tut tut pic.twitter.com/SHwb9ZKdDt

— Jack Fogarty (@FogartyJack) May 27, 2024

The loss of Morgan is the second flyhalf under the age 25 in New Zealand to take opportunities abroad, with Crusader Fergus Burke inking a deal with Saracens as Owen Farrell’s successor.

Last year the Hurricanes signed New Zealand U20s fullback Harry Godfrey to a two-year deal until the end of 2025, while one-cap All Black Brett Cameron has been a standout performer this season.

The Hurricanes announced a new deal for Cameron last week until the end of 2026, which painted a crowded picture for Morgan to contend with.