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Ruben Love lands new deal to remain in New Zealand long-term
By Ned Lester
All Black Ruben Love has locked in his future with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby, signing a long-term deal that will see him remain with club and country until 2028.
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The deal keeps the 23-year-old eligible for the All Blacks until past the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and ends one year shy of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2029.
Love has long been touted as an All Balck and made his debut after earning selection for the Northern Tour under Scott Robertson in 2024.
The flying fullback, who has dreams of playing in the black No. 10 jersey in the future, according to Hurricanes assistant coach Cory Jane, scored twice in his international debut against Japan.
“Noku te maringanui ki te waitohu ano i taku kirimana mo tenei karapu. He aroha nui taku ki tenei tima otira, katahi te honore ki te whakarangatira i taku iwi me te takaro ki runga i te whenua i tipu ake ai au,” Love said in a statement that accompanied the media release, before translating.
“I’m very honoured to re-sign my contract with this club. I have great love for this team, and it is truly an honour to represent my people and play on the land where I grew up.”
The Maori All Black and All Blacks XV talent has shot through the fullback ranks after signing with the Hurricanes in 2021.
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“Super excited to have Ruben Love resigning with us,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.
“He’s an example of local talent, through school and then onto Wellington Rugby. He had a tricky start at the beginning of his professional career with injuries but as we saw last year, when has a run at games, he has great quality in his performance.”
“He’s shown real maturity after returning from his time in the All Blacks and he has potential to become a real leader and outstanding player for the future. He is everything we want in a Hurricane, an unbelievable professional and sets a high standard for himself and others around him.”
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With Harry Godfey at 10 and Reuben Love at 15, the Hurricanes could become a dynasty in the future.
However, the future is not 2025. Hurricanes tight five has badly regressed as has their loosies so far this season.