'One of the brightest talents' in Hurricanes' arsenal signs on for more

The Hurricanes have signed a one-year contract extension with 23-year-old playmaker Harry Godfrey, who has recently returned to the field after missing the entire 2026 Super season with a major knee injury.

Godfrey’s contract wasn’t set to expire until after the 2027 season, but he and the Hurricanes have put pen to paper early to secure his future in Wellington.

The Hawke’s Bay product has made 16 Hurricanes appearances since his 2023 debut, with his breakthrough 2025 campaign cruelly cut short by injury, while a subsequent torn ACL then ended his 2025 NPC season and ruled him out of the 2026 Super Rugby season entirely.

Returning to the field in time for round one of the NPC in August, Godfrey was integral to a flying start for the Magpies, who won five straight before their season took an unfortunate turn and they were ultimately knocked out by Otago in the quarter-final.

Now turning his attention back to Super Rugby, having watched the Hurricanes’ title run from the sidelines this season, Godfrey says he is thrilled to get an opportunity to contribute to winning more silverware for the club.

“I’m really grateful to extend with the Hurricanes and for the opportunity to continue to develop my game here,” Godfrey said.

“The club has had a great year, and I’m looking forward to building on that success. I really like the direction the club is heading, and I’m excited to contribute by adding to that success over the next few years.”

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw is set to welcome not only Godfrey back into the selection fold next season, but also experienced game-driver Brett Cameron, who played just 23 minutes this year before another knee injury that required surgery.

Just because Godfrey hasn’t been playing doesn’t mean he hasn’t grown as a game-driver, says Laidlaw.

“Harry’s done an amazing job to recover from his ACL injury. He actually had a club game just before we finished our season, and I think everyone saw that he started the NPC really well,” said the coach.

“He started the 2025 season so well for us and then picked up an injury that year, and then an ACL this year, so hopefully his body can play ball, and we can continue to grow his game.

“He’s worked hard on his tactical game and understanding of the game while he was injured. He’s watched a lot of footage and has been actively curious about different competitions around the world.

“We feel he’s one of the brightest talents we’ve got here. We look forward to continuing that development, and we are excited to add him to our longer-term group for the next few years.”