The Highlanders yesterday announced both their best player and their brightest young star had signed new two-year deals.
Blockbusting No8 Hugh Renton and promising fullback Finn Hurley have put pen to paper to the end of the 2026 season.
Renton, who simultaneously announced he was switching NPC allegiances from Tasman to his native Hawke’s Bay, has been with the Highlanders since 2021 and made 37 appearances for the club.
He had a breakout season in 2023 with his devastating ball-running and imposing defence — he was also the team’s leading try-scorer — but his 2024 campaign was cut short due to injury, and the Highlanders missed him badly.
Renton, 28, said he was looking forward to at least two more years in the South.
"I am grateful to be able to extend my time at the Highlanders. This region and team feel like my second family and I am excited about the journey the team are on.
"We are just getting started and I am thrilled to be part of it."
Hurley, 21, has not yet had time to make the same impact on the Highlanders but few people in the region are not exceptionally excited about the young man’s potential.
Since he dropped a goal to lead Otago Boys’ to a last-minute win over Southland Boys’ in the 2021 Highlanders First XV final, the Gore product has been identified as the next big thing.
Hurley, comfortable at first five but set at fullback for Otago, played three games for the New Zealand under-20 team in 2022 before making his Highlanders debut a year later.
The mercurial Green Island youngster joined the Highlanders as an injury replacement this year and looked particularly impressive in the game against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
"I really enjoyed the taste of Super Rugby I got this year and am excited about next season already," Hurley said.
"I know most of the boys within the team now and I’m keen to help the team push on to better things in 2025."
Joseph, returning as head coach, said he was pleased to have confirmed Renton and Hurley.
"A couple of good signings for us," Joseph said.
"Hugh is a player who revels in the physicality of the game and is also an aggressive defender.
"As a senior member of the team, he knows what’s required at Super Rugby level and is a valuable member of the squad.
"Finn has the potential to mature into an excellent player over the next few seasons. He is very versatile and a real handful on attack for the opposition."
The Highlanders still have a couple of holes to fill at prop and lock.
