Hurricanes lock in two backs including ex-New Zealand U20s star

The Hurricanes have announced the re-signings of talented backs Harry Godfrey and Ngatungane Punivai for at least the next two seasons. Punivai has recommitted through until 2026, while Godfrey will remain in the nation’s capital for the next three seasons.

Godfrey’s ability to play both fullback and first five-eighth could be invaluable for the Hurricanes moving forward. With first-choice flyhalf Brett Cameron set to miss the entire 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season with a knee injury, Godfrey can potentially help to cover that role.

After playing two matches during the 2022 National Provincial Championship season, Godfrey took a major step forward the following season, debuting for the Hurricanes and representing the ‘Baby Blacks’ at the World Rugby U20 Championship.

The Whanganui Collegiate alumni played five matches at fullback during that Championship in South Africa. Godfrey has otherwise primarily been used as an impact player off the bench for the Hurricanes, other than a handful of starts the last couple of seasons.

Coach Clark Laidlaw named Godfrey in the First XV for the quarter-final clash with the Melbourne Rebels in June. Now, on the back of another strong season with Hawke’s Bay in the NPC –  starting in five of six appearances – Godfrey is well-placed for the future.

“Growing up in this region, it’s always been a dream of mine to be a part of this club, and I’m so grateful to stay on for another three years,” Godfrey said in a statement.

“The ‘Canes are in a really good spot, and there’s a lot of opportunities for me to grow my game. I’m excited to rip in and put my best foot forward.”

Punivai boasts a wealth of experience at Super Rugby level, with the outside back playing for the Crusaders, Highlanders, Chiefs and now the Hurricanes. The 26-year-old debuted for the Canes during the round-robin against the Rebels on March 22 in Palmerston North.

Coach Laidlaw started Punivai at outside centre for that round five Trans-Tasman derby. Punivai made another appearance for the Hurricanes this year, and that was the round six clash with the Highlanders at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.

“It’s a proud moment for me and my family to be able to re-sign with the ‘Canes,” Punivai explained. “Coming back last season was a full circle moment for this Petone boy, and to lock in a few more years is very special.”

The Hurricanes seem to be building their squad nicely ahead of next year’s campaign, especially in the outside backs. Last week, the Hurricanes announced that they’d signed North Harbour’s Kade Banks for 2025.

Banks scored 10 tries during this year’s NPC campaign, which included a four-try haul in one match in a 43-29 win against Waikato at North Harbour Stadium. Banks, much like Godfrey and Punivai, have the potential to be an important piece of the Hurricanes’ puzzle.

“We’re stoked to have both Ngatungane and Harry re-sign with us,” coach Clark Laidlaw explained. “Their versatility and skill add some real depth to our backline.

“Ngatungane’s ability across wing and centre positions is of great advantage, and he’s put in some very good performances this NPC season.

“Harry’s a quality player who’s come up through the Hurricanes pathway. Again, his ability to play at both 10 and 15 is something we want to develop and the growth and maturity he’s shown for Hawke’s Bay in recent weeks has impressed us.”