Cory Jane will remain at the Hurricanes until at least 2028 after signing a contract extension that continues his role as the club’s defence coach.
The former New Zealand national rugby union team star has become one of the defining figures of the modern Hurricanes era, both as a player and now as a coach, and this weekend he reaches another major milestone.
Jane will coach his 100th game for the Hurricanes against the Blues in Auckland, becoming the first person in franchise history to reach a century of matches as a coach.
The achievement adds another layer to a relationship with the Wellington-based club that now stretches across two decades.
From Hurricanes winger to key figure in the coaching staff
Jane played 121 matches for the Hurricanes and featured prominently in the side that laid the foundations for the club’s 2016 Super Rugby title triumph.
Now part of Clark Laidlaw’s coaching setup, the 53-Test All Black has helped transform the Hurricanes into one of the competition’s strongest defensive sides.
“I’m stoked to have signed on for another couple of years with the Hurricanes,” Jane said in a club statement.
“I’m hugely passionate about the club, which has been a big part of my career and my life.
“Being from Upper Hutt, I grew up watching and wanting to be part of the Hurricanes, so to stay on with the club for a few more seasons means a lot.”
Jane also pointed to the environment around the squad as a major factor behind his decision to remain in Wellington.
“I love the environment and I love coming into work every day, and I’m excited about the direction that the club is heading.”
Defensive identity becoming Hurricanes trademark
Head coach Clark Laidlaw praised Jane’s influence across the squad and credited him with helping reshape the team’s mentality without the ball.
“We’re extremely happy that CJ has decided to extend his stay with the club,” Laidlaw said.
“He leads our defence and has done an amazing job. He has a real desire to defend well, and it’s now ingrained in our players’ DNA to enjoy defending.”
Laidlaw also highlighted Jane’s broader contribution beyond defensive systems, particularly his work with the Hurricanes’ outside backs.
“He’s not just a good defence coach,” Laidlaw added.
“He also has big input into other parts of our game and has had a particularly massive influence on our outside backs.”
The Hurricanes have developed into one of Super Rugby Pacific’s most balanced sides under Laidlaw, combining attacking flair with defensive consistency, and Jane’s extension offers further stability ahead of another title push.
A key figure during a changing era in New Zealand rugby
Jane’s decision to stay comes at a time when New Zealand rugby continues to battle growing player and coaching movement overseas.
With concerns mounting around the number of experienced figures leaving Super Rugby franchises, retaining influential staff members has become increasingly important.
Laidlaw believes Jane’s energy and connection to the club remain invaluable.
“Every day, he turns up with an amazing attitude and energy that’s quite infectious and rubs off on everybody,” he said.
“He’s hugely motivated to keep improving, not only as a coach, but improving our players, and endeavouring to achieve the same success he had as a player by winning a championship with the club as a coach.”
For the Hurricanes, keeping one of their most recognisable figures in Wellington may prove just as important as any signing on the field.
