Hurricanes lock in Harry Godfrey on extended deal after ACL ruled him out of entire 2026 season

The Hurricanes have tied down promising playmaker Harry Godfrey to a one-year contract extension, the Wellington franchise announced, with the 23-year-old having only recently returned to rugby after a torn ACL ruled him out of the entire 2026 Super Rugby season.

Godfrey’s existing deal was not due to expire until after the 2027 season, but both parties moved early to secure his future at the club. The Hawke’s Bay product has made 16 appearances for the Hurricanes since his debut in 2023, with his breakthrough 2025 campaign cut short by injury before the subsequent ACL setback compounded his misfortune.

He returned in time for round one of the NPC in August, helping Hawke’s Bay Magpies win five consecutive matches before they were knocked out by Otago in the quarter-finals. That form was enough to convince the Hurricanes to move quickly on an extension.

“I’m really grateful to extend with the Hurricanes and for the opportunity to continue to develop my game here,” Godfrey said. “The club has had a great year, and I’m looking forward to building on that success. I really like the direction the club is heading, and I’m excited to contribute by adding to that success over the next few years.”

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw, who watched Godfrey recover from the sidelines during the club’s Super Rugby title run this season, said the young first-five has used his time out of the game productively.

“Harry’s done an amazing job to recover from his ACL injury,” Laidlaw said. “He started the 2025 season so well for us and then picked up an injury that year, and then an ACL this year, so hopefully his body can play ball, and we can continue to grow his game.”

“He’s worked hard on his tactical game and understanding of the game while he was injured. He’s watched a lot of footage and has been actively curious about different competitions around the world. We feel he’s one of the brightest talents we’ve got here.”

Godfrey will compete for game time in a Hurricanes playmaking group that also includes experienced half Brett Cameron, who himself managed just 23 minutes of Super Rugby this season before requiring knee surgery. With both players targeting full fitness heading into 2027, Laidlaw will have genuine depth at first-five as the Hurricanes look to defend their title.