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Maori All Blacks and All Blacks XV flyer re-signs with Hurricanes
By Finn Morton
Maori All Blacks and All Blacks XV representative Bailyn Sullivan will remain in New Zealand’s windy capital for another season, with the backline utility agreeing to a one-year contract extension with the Hurricanes until the end of the 2026 campaign.
The Hurricanes announced on Thursday that Sullivan has committed to another season in Wellington. This comes as a major boost for the club, as the 26-year-old has become a prominent member of the Canes over the last few years.
After debuting for the Hurricanes in an opening-round loss to the Crusaders in the 2022 Super Rugby season, Sullivan has gone on to play 27 matches for the club, including two starts in as many appearances in 2025.
Sullivan has worn the No. 13 jersey in both matches so far this season, and coach Clark Laidlaw has once again named the outside centre to start in the team’s round three New Zealand derby against the Blues at Sky Stadium.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to say around for another year with the ‘Canes,” Sullivan said in a statement.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and have created lifelong memories and friends and looking forward to being able to create some more.”
As a physical centre who also has the elite-level pace needed to thrive on either wing, Sullivan has also caught the attention of national selectors. Sullivan played for the All Blacks XV in a win over a Japan XV in 2023 before later pulling on the Maori All Blacks jersey.
Sullivan started on the left wing in two matches for the Maori All Blacks last year, which included a try in the 42nd minute during the 36-10 win over the Japan XV on June 29 at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.
Earlier in 2022, Sullivan had previously played for both representative teams.
As a player to watch in Super Rugby Pacific this season already, it bodes well for the Hurricanes that coach Laidlaw believes “we’ll see his best rugby” in the years ahead.
“He shows maturity on and off the field and understands what he needs to do in his preparation,’ coach Laidlaw added.
“It’s great to be able to secure a talent like Bailyn, he can play in the midfield and on the wing and over the next few years we’ll see his best rugby.”
Sullivan will link up with Peter Umaga-Jensen in the Hurricanes midfield this week when they take on the winless Blues in Wellington. All Blacks Peter Lakai and Pasilio Tosi have also been named for their first start in Hurricanes colours this season.
The other headline-grabbing inclusion for the Hurricanes is the selection of outside back Kade Banks who will debut at fullback. Banks enjoyed a breakout season in the NPC with North Harbour last year, which saw the flyer score tries for fun during that campaign.
“It’s great to be able to have Kade Banks in the team this week, he’s had a really strong pre-season and deserves this opportunity to debut,” Laidlaw said.
“Being the 2024 champions, the Blues will be highly motivated and demand a top-quality performance from us. We certainly feel inspired to play well and meet that demand.”
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Latest Comments
Let’s blame a Chief instead ! 😀
Cane didn’t start in Yokohama but 5 Crusader forwards did and got their tails kicked by the John Mitchell coached England forwards. Well done Hansen!
Go to commentsI don’t really share Johnson’s opinion. Nothing better than Tupaea and Lienert-Brown in NZ? It’s a good duo, and he wouldn’t look out of place, but I think we can do better. Tavatavanawai seems superior to Tupaea at 12. He’s a brute force, who makes few mistakes (which can still be criticized in Tupaea), formidable both with and without the ball in close contact. I can see him playing with Proctor. On paper, this combination would be very, very interesting, in the same philosophy as the iconic Nonu/C Smith duo.
Anyway, I remain convinced that in Razor’s mind, Jordie Barrett is indispensable at center, and he could quickly team up with Leicester Fainga’anuku. I’m betting on that in the near future.
However, a Tavatanawai/Proctor duo would be very interesting. Ennor also seems to be a good option instead of Proctor, who still hasn’t played this season. But Ennor has only played one match... he needs to be seen again and get some game time. There is a lot of talent in New Zealand in these two positions. The hardest part will be cutting players who could make a difference for many teams. The choices are going to be tough. If I had to make a bold bet, and unlike Johnson, I don’t see Tupaea being selected, and I imagine ALB could be in a tight spot against Proctor and Ennor if they are fit.
I imagine Jordie, Havili, Rieko, and Fainga'anuku with Tavatavanawai. Ennor or Proctor if Fainga'anuku is not selected in July. And ALB if Jordie is rested
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