Hurricanes sign outside back who scored four tries in one NPC game

Fresh off a standout season with North Harbour in New Zealand’s NPC, dynamic outside back Kade Banks has penned a deal with the Hurricanes. Banks has committed to last year’s table-toppers for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Banks’ journey to Super Rugby has been anything but straightforward. This is a story of resilience and determination, with Banks continuing to pursue his rugby dream without a clear pathway to an academy or a provincial union out of high school.

The Mahurangi College graduate got a chance to impress after earning selection for Harbour’s Sevens side, which later opened the door to U19s opportunities with Mahurangi and Harbour. Banks ended up committing to the province at NPC level as well.

On September 26, 2020, Banks debuted for Harbour in the team’s 11-10 loss to Southland at Rugby Park, Invercargill.  Banks played another couple of games that season before earning a maiden start the following campaign at home to Waikato.

Banks later debuted for the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific against the Highlanders earlier this year. The 24-year-old scored in that fixture, but wasn’t called upon by coach Vern Cotter for the remainder of the team’s run to a drought-breaking title.

But, another opportunity awaits, with Banks set to ply his trade down in the capital. With winger Josh Moorby moving on after signing with French club Montpellier, there seems to be a chance to challenge for a spot in the matchday 23.

“I started playing rugby at the age of four, and it’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Banks said in a statement. “It hasn’t been the most straightforward journey, but in some ways, it makes me appreciate it even more.

“It’s been my childhood dream to play Super Rugby,” he added. “It’s been a bit of a journey to get here, but to have the opportunity to play for the ‘Canes is a massive honour. I can’t wait to add to the legacy of the jersey.”

In the NPC this season, the try-scoring phenomenon was nothing short of sensational. The winger – who started eight of nine appearances on the right edge – crossed for 10 tries, which included a four-try haul in the 43-29 win over Waikato at North Harbour Stadium.

Harbour did end up missing the finals after recording just three wins from 10 fixtures, but those results were headline-grabbing. They got the job done 43-29 over eventual semi-finalists Waikato, 58-19 over Manawatu and a big 65-19 demolition of Canterbury.

Banks played a telling part in any of Harbour’s successes in 2024.

“Kade is a talented young player, who’s really impressed us throughout the NPC season,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw explained.

“He’s shown that he not only has the ability to beat defenders and line break but can also finish. With his kicking game and ability to cover fullback, we’re excited to see what he can bring to the backline in 2025.”