'A genuine inspiration': One-cap All Black re-signs with Hurricanes

Brett Cameron has signed a one-year contract to stay with the Hurricanes for their 2027 title defence campaign as he looks to return to the field after two major knee injuries.

The playmaker, who played one Test for the All Blacks in 2018, has played just 223 minutes of Super Rugby over the past two seasons due to the injuries, watching from the sidelines as the Hurricanes ended their decade-long title drought in June.

The 30-year-old is no stranger to silverware, though, with two Super Rugby titles and another two Super Rugby Aotearoa titles from his time at the Crusaders before he spent a spell in Japan with the Kamaishi Seawaves.

When he was last healthy, Cameron was the Wellington club’s starting No.10 and an All Blacks XV selection. For now, though, he says he just wants to get back on the field with his teammates.

“I couldn’t be happier to be back at the Hurricanes for another year,” Cameron said. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity and backing from the coaches and club after what’s been a tough couple of years for myself with injuries.

“I’ve been right at home with this team since I started in 2023. It’s a special group to be part of, and I’m working harder than ever to be back ready for the 2027 season.”

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw labelled Cameron “a genuine inspiration” for how he has navigated his injuries and kept contributing to the environment.

“We’re just delighted to have him here. He’s obviously had a very tough couple of years with two major knee injuries, but he’s a genuine inspiration in terms of how he has dealt with both of those injuries,” Laidlaw said.

“Particularly the second injury, which he got in game one this year and started a lengthy rehab process while we were playing. His ability to come in every day, crack on with his rehab, and contribute to the team was amazing.

“We’re really proud of him for being able to cope with that because it’s not been easy. We just hope that his body allows him to play the rugby we know he can. We genuinely feel like he’s still got growth in his game and the ability to play Super Rugby, which hasn’t diminished in our eyes.

“To add him alongside Ruben, Harry, and Callum keeps us super strong at first-five and fullback between the four of them. We look forward to BC getting into pre-season and continuing the really good progress he’s making. We’re all hopeful he’ll be ready for the start of the season.”