'I’m stoked': Hurricanes assistant signs extension through to 2028

Hurricanes assistant coach Cory Jane has inked a new deal with the Hurricanes through to 2028, continuing his role as defence coach for the next two Super Rugby Pacific seasons.

Jane, who played over 121 games for the Hurricanes, will bring up his 100th game as a Hurricanes coach this weekend against the Blues in Auckland, becoming the first person at the club to do so.

The 53-Test former All Black will reach his 20th season as a part of the Hurricanes in 2028, having played a key part in the Wellington-based franchise’s 2016 Super Rugby Pacific triumph.

Jane said the club has obviously played a huge part of his life, and signing a new deal was a reflection of that.

“I’m stoked to have signed on for another couple of years with the Hurricanes,” Jane said on a Hurricanes statement.

“I’m hugely passionate about the club, which has been a big part of my career and my life. Being from Upper Hutt, I grew up watching and wanting to be part of the Hurricanes, so to stay on with the club for a few more seasons means a lot.

“I love the environment and I love coming into work every day, and I’m excited about the direction that the club is heading.”

“We’re extremely happy that CJ has decided to extend his stay with the club,” Laidlaw said.

“He’s a passionate Hurricane, he’s been here a long time. His on-field success and experiences have been influential in shaping his coaching practice and the mana he holds with the group.

“He leads our defence and has done an amazing job. He has a real desire to defend well, and it’s now ingrained in our players’ DNA to enjoy defending. He’s had a massive part to play in that mindset shift.

“He’s not just a good defence coach. He also has big input into other parts of our game and has had a particularly massive influence on our outside backs.

“Every day, he turns up with an amazing attitude and energy that’s quite infectious and rubs off on everybody, so we feel grateful and fortunate that he’s decided to continue with the club.

“He’s hugely motivated to keep improving, not only as a coach, but improving our players, and endeavouring to achieve the same success he had as a player by winning a championship with the club as a coach.”