Rising star Ruben Love re-signs with Hurricanes

Young Hurricanes and Maori All Blacks fullback Ruben Love has announced his signing of a new contract with the Hurricanes through to the end of 2025.

Love has an impressive resume despite his young career, with sporting pedigree in his blood. His father, Matene Love, was a former M?ori All Black, and following his legacy, Ruben was the first-ever player to be selected in both New Zealand Under-18 M?ori rugby and cricket sides in 2018. Additionally, he represented the Under-19 New Zealand cricket team and the New Zealand Schools' Rugby team in 2019.

Cricket was an option for Love, but he decided to make the switch to rugby, joining the Wellington Lions in 2020 and scoring a try on debut against Bay of Plenty. Love's outstanding performances caught the Hurricane's attention, and he made his debut for them against the Highlanders in 2021.

Since then, Ruben Love has continued to impress, thriving in the Hurricanes' setup. In addition to his call-up to the M?ori All Blacks, the 22-year-old was also selected in the All Blacks XV squad in 2022.

A groin issue has kept Love sidelined for the 2023 Hurricanes season to date, but despite this setback, Love remains optimistic and ecstatic about his future with the Hurricanes.

“I am really excited to re-commit to the Hurricanes until the end of the 2025 season,” said Love.

“It’s always been a goal of mine and my wh?nau for me to represent the Hurricanes organisation and Te iwi o Te ?tiawa.

“Being injured this season has put a lot of things into perspective for me and whilst I’ve been rehabbing my groin, I have received a lot of ?whina and tautoko from the Hurricanes players, staff and fan base, which I am incredibly grateful for.

“I am more motivated than ever to contribute to this club and I look forward to being back on the field for the 'Canes in 2024. Eke Panuku! Eke Tangaroa!”

Eke Panuku Eke Tangaroa is a Maori proverb that acknowledges the unseen energies of the land and sea.

Hurricanes head coach and soon-to-be All Blacks assistant, Jason Holland, knows just how high the ceiling of the young fullback is and expressed his excitement at the signing.

“It’s great to have Ruben recommit for the next two seasons," Holland said. "Ruben is a quality young man who has all the skills, and a huge amount of potential.

"I know he is working hard to get back on the field, and once he does, he’ll add massive value for the Hurricanes.”