Ere Enari announces Hurricanes departure with move to Wales secured

Just days after producing one of the best performances of his Super Rugby career, Ere Enari has announced he will leave the Hurricanes and join URC club Dragons next season.

The halfback has stepped up for the table-leading Hurricanes during All Blacks star Cam Roigard’s time on the sidelines with a calf injury, and produced three try assists in the team’s round 14 win over the Blues at Eden Park. The 47-24 victory saw the visitors lead by as much as 33 and snap a seven-year losing streak at the famous stadium.

Enari was a member of Moana Pasifika for three years, including the team’s debut season in 2022, signing with the club after four years on the fringes of Crusaders selection. The 28-year-old also has 10 international caps with Samoa to his name, helping his side claim victory over Chile at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The former New Zealand U20 representative said he and his partner are ready for their next chapter.

“Firstly, I want to say how blessed and grateful we are that God brought Ella and I to the Hurricanes family for the past two seasons. It truly is one of the greatest team environments I’ve been a part of,” Enari said.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling to be leaving an environment that provides such a safe space for both of us and a lot of joy both on and off the field, but we’ve been praying for God to open doors overseas and here we are.

“After 10 years of my career in New Zealand, it’s time for a new challenge in a foreign environment and we are definitely not closing the door on New Zealand for good. It’s such a privilege to serve this team, and the main goal between now and July is to finish the job in front of us for our people.”

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Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw spoke highly of Enari’s character and wished him well in his Dragons journey.

“Ere is an ultimate team man, hugely selfless, a man that has high values, high work ethic, and is playing some very good rugby,” Laidlaw said.

“He came in a couple of years ago when TJ Perenara left, and we were looking for somebody to call on alongside Cam and the team.

“I think the performance against the Blues sums up how good we think he is. We’ve got a huge amount of trust and belief in his ability, and everybody else got to see that on Saturday.

“We wish him and his partner Ella all the best in their next adventure.”

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia was pleased to add Enari to his squad, having also announced the signing of Blues loose forward Terrell Peita last month.

“We’re excited to welcome Ere to Dragons,” Tiatia said.

“He arrives with Super Rugby experience after spells at Crusaders, Moana Pasifika and most recently Hurricanes, while he brings international pedigree from his time with Samoa.

“Ere will be determined to make a big impression in a new competition as he competes with the likes of Che Hope and Rhodri Williams. He’ll also be keen to help our Academy players and the next generation of talent we have coming through.

“Ere is a good man, somebody who understands the importance of grassroots and the community he’s in,” he added.

“He will immerse himself in the culture and the people of Gwent, and we want our fans to embrace him, get to know him and enjoy watching him.”