Former All Blacks coach, Maori ABs captain headline Hurricanes departures

Former All Blacks assistant coach Bryn Evans has departed the Super Rugby Pacific champion Hurricanes, alongside four players ahead of next year’s competition.

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw will be without the services of Bailyn Sullivan, Tom Allen, Tevita Mafileo, and Lucas Cashmore in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Sullivan, an All Black XV member and the current Maori All Blacks captain, played over 50 games for the Wellington-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise.

“I’ve thoroughly loved my time being part of such a special group of people during my time at the Hurricanes, so thank you to everyone that has been part of this journey. Stay hearty,” Sullivan said in the Hurricanes’ release.

“Thank you to everyone who made my time at the Hurricanes special. I’ll forever cherish the memories, the experiences, and the lifelong brothers I’ve gained along the way. Grateful for every moment. #270 signing out,” Mafileo said.

Cashmore, who made his Hurricanes debut back in February against the Fijian Drua, is one of the four players to leave in the latest announcement after making six appearances as a full-time injury replacement.

“I’m super grateful for what the Hurricanes have provided me and my family over the past two years. I’ve enjoyed every moment and it was awesome to go out with a Super Rugby Pacific championship,” Cashmore said.

Lock Tom Allen, whose confirmed destination is Scarlets in Wales, will also move on from the Hurricanes franchise heading into 2027.

“I’m grateful for what the players, coaches, and management have done for me and my family. The club has provided an awesome stepping stone for my career, and life in general. I’ve enjoyed my time at the Hurricanes and am excited about my next opportunity with Scarlets in Wales,” Allen told the Hurricanes.

“Cashy and Tom have decided to pursue opportunities overseas to further their young careers. We look forward to watching them from afar, and who knows, they’re young enough that they could end up back in New Zealand rugby at some point,” the Hurricanes head coach said.

Evans, who was brought into the All Blacks under former head coach Scott Robertson as a specialist lineout coach, has left the Wellington-based franchise to pursue other opportunities after three seasons at the club.

The former All Black himself has been in charge of the Hurricanes’ restarts and lineouts.

“It was never hard to get in the car and head out to NZCIS to go to work. I loved it. Coaching alongside great staff with a playing group who always wanted to get better was a privilege. It was great to be part of the Swirl again, now it’s time for a new experience and a new adventure,” Evans announced.

Laidlaw said that Evans’ contribution around the set-piece has been crucial.

“Bryn’s also made a massive contribution to the Hurricanes over the past three years. His creativity around our lineout attack and some of the set piece tries he created with the boys this year were special. We’re going to miss him and his family around the club and wish him well.”

“After a hugely successful season, it’s the time where people change and move in different directions. With confirmation that these boys are leaving, I just want to say a huge well done and congratulations on their contributions to the club,” Laidlaw said.

“Bailyn and Tevita, in particular, are half centurions and have made a huge contribution to the team over a number of years. We wish them both well on their journeys and their continued careers.”