Finally fit Braydon Iose shows what Hurricanes have been missing

Braydon Iose has hit the ground running at the start of Super Rugby Pacific. In the Hurricanes’ 52-10 win over Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Friday, the strapping loose forward scored two tries, including a 40 metre individual stunner. He also ranked in the top five for tackles, metres carried, line breaks and turnovers.

It was the type of full-throttle display the 52-game, 27-year-old has always been capable of. In 2016, he captained the New Zealand Secondary Schools team from Palmerston North Boys’ High School.

Injury at inopportune moments has hampered his ascent to possible international honours. In 2024, he required surgery on a damaged right knee. In 2025, he suffered a left ankle injury with five rounds remaining in the Super season.

Is 2026 the year he stays healthy and breaks the glass ceiling? Immediate competition like Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i and Cullen Grace are unlikely to be All Blacks contenders, either heading abroad or battling injury themselves.

“Honestly, I’m not worried about that. My focus is internal, trying to be the best version of myself.” Iose told RugbyPass.

“It’s been a long pre-season training since December, and having the bye in the first round. After surgery, I was able to fully commit, which was great.

“It was an exciting game. As expected, Moana were pretty physical. Our game drivers did a good job of creating space, something we’re focused on this year, whether that’s by being physical up the middle, stretching to the edges or being creative. Space allowed me to express myself.”

Head-to-Head

Last 4 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

20

42

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

75%

Will kick saturation or “Box Kick-itis” in contemporary rugby at present restrict free expression?

“Lots of kicking is where the game is headed at the moment. As a forward, it doesn’t make that much difference to your role unless there’s a kick duel, which aren’t great to watch,” Iose observed.

“If there’s lots of kicking, your job is to obviously catch the ball or make sure the kicker has a good platform to kick. Winning territory is always important.”

Iose in full flight is a formidable prospect. The longtime Manawatu captain has played 55 games for his province in the NPC and has been named Turbos player of the year three times.

With the Hurricanes in 2023, he memorably scored a match-winning try bursting 25 metres off a scrum against the eventual champions Crusaders in Wellington in Dane Coles 140th and last Super game.

In 2024, he started 12 of 14 matches as the Hurricanes topped the round robin, winning a franchise record eight consecutive games to start the season.

On May 3, 2025, he celebrated his 50th appearance in a resounding 35-17 win against the Chiefs in Wellington. Iose had 11 carries, 10 tackles, four lineout catches and two turnovers in a game where Bailyn Sullivan scored four tries, and Ruben Love kicked 15 points.

Unfortunately, his ankle was injured a fortnight later, ten minutes into a game against the Highlanders. This left him unavailable for the Hurricanes’ last two round robin matches and the quarter-final defeat to the Brumbies.

“My 50th game for the Hurricanes was special. You’re presented with a ring with a swirl. My family and many friends were there because it was a home game and the boys performed a haka for me,” Iose said.

“Injuries are a frustrating part of the game. You do get better at self-reservation and recovery, still, they can happen to anyone. I can’t think of anyone more undeserving of another serious injury than my mate Brett Cameron. We’re devastated he’s down in round one.”

Following two losses, the Fijian Drua could already be out of playoff contention if they lose to the Hurricanes at Churchill Park, Lautoka. The Drua have only beaten the Hurricanes once in four meetings, a 27-24 win in Round 11, 2023. Iose played in that game and in the Hurricanes’ 38-34 win in Napier last year, scoring one of his 16 tries for the Hurricanes. The Drua have won 13 of their last 18 games in Fiji. The Hurricanes have won their last six regular-season matches.

“It is an amazing atmosphere in Fiji; hot, humid, wonderful people. We expect a tough game. They’ll be desperate, physical and unpredictable.” Iose said.