Jone Rova commits to Hurricanes until 2027

The Hurricanes have secured the services of midfielder Jone Rova on a two-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2027.

Rova, who impressed in the wider training group this season, now steps up into the full squad.

Born in the Fijian village of Vusaratu, Rova moved to New Zealand with his family at the age of eight. He attended New Plymouth Boys’ High School, where he was named Sportsman of the Year in 2020 and selected for the New Zealand Schools team.

He later represented the Crusaders U20s, the New Zealand U20s, and made his provincial debut with Canterbury, where he has already played more than 25 games.

Rova made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Crusaders against the Fijian Drua before joining the Hurricanes this year.

He scored on his Hurricanes debut against Moana Pasifika in March 2025 and has featured in further matches in the midfield. Known for his versatility, he is comfortable playing at both inside and outside centre.

Head coach Clark Laidlaw said Rova has already made an impression in training and NPC performances, describing him as strong competition for the Hurricanes’ midfield positions.

“CJ knew about Jone through the U20s programme and, as a Taranaki boy, Coops had good prior knowledge of him too,” Laidlaw said.

“Jone’s someone that we felt quite lucky to have in the wider training group, having been with the Crusaders and playing for Canterbury.

“I think we’re starting to see him trust himself around his game. He’s started really well in the NPC, getting good game time at both 12 and 13, and we see him as strong competition for the midfield alongside the boys we’ve already got.

“He had a couple of cameos last season that turned heads a little bit and he trained particularly well through the year, so we look forward to welcoming him into the full squad.”