Hurricanes sign New Zealand born Japan lock Warner Dearns

The Hurricanes have secured the services of 23-year-old Japan international Warner Dearns for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The towering lock, standing 2.02 m tall and weighing 124 kg, will join the Wellington-based franchise on a one-year sabbatical from his Japanese club, Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo.

Dearns was born in Wellington and raised in Hawke’s Bay, where his father worked as a strength and conditioning coach.

His family later moved to Japan, which paved the way for his qualification through residency and eventual representation of Japan at the international level.

Since debuting for the Brave Blossoms in 2021, Dearns has earned 21 caps and scored four tries, including a memorable try against the All Blacks in Tokyo during a closely fought 38–31 loss in 2022.

Dearns, who has helped Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo secure back-to-back Japan Rugby League One titles in 2024 and 2025, expressed his excitement about the new challenge.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join the Hurricanes and take on a new challenge in Super Rugby.

"I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a player and giving everything I have for the jersey.”

He also acknowledged his current club, saying, “I’m also incredibly grateful to Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo for supporting me in taking on this challenge in 2026.”

=Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw welcomed the signing, noting the player's strong ties to the region.

“It’s really exciting news for the club to sign an international lock in Warner. He’s a young Kiwi guy who’s plying his trade in Japan.

"His family moved up there, he’s qualified for Japan, and he’s taking a sabbatical from Toshiba. He had a lot of interest... so for him to choose to join the Hurricanes is really exciting.”

Laidlaw also highlighted the local connections, adding that Dearns’ sisters live in Wellington, his mother is the chief executive of Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union, and his father has been involved with Hawke’s Bay.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming him when he comes after the November tests.

"He’s an exceptional athlete. He’s got a good set piece, particularly at the lineout, as well as around the field... Warner’s also experienced around the world, in Japan and international rugby, so he’ll be really valuable as we build the team towards next season.”