The Hurricanes have bolstered their lock stocks with the contract extension of young second rower Hugo Plummer until 2027.
Confirmation of Plummer’s re-signing adds to the strong contingent of locks in the 2026 Hurricanes squad, which includes recently signed Japan international Warner Dearns, Māori All Blacks duo Isaia Walker-Leawere and Caleb Delany, and uncapped youngster Tom Allen.
After featuring for the Hurricanes throughout the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, Plummer is excited to continue his career at the club after coming through the ranks as a Wellington local.
“Growing up in Wellington, playing for the Hurricanes has always been the dream,” Plummer said.
“To now pull on the jersey and run out at home in front of my family and friends is an honour. The entire club is full of great people who’ve created a special environment, and I’m thrilled to be part of it for the next couple of years.”
A former Onslow College pupil, Plummer is a product of the Hurricanes development programme, having previously represented the Hurricanes U18 and U20 teams.
The 24-year-old, a two-time NPC champion with Wellington, went on to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Hurricanes against the Western Force in 2023, before returning to the side this year following a season-long stint with the Highlanders in 2024.
In total, Plummer has made eight appearances for the Hurricanes, the most recent of which came during this year’s qualifying final against the Brumbies – a match he played just hours after completing an exam to finalise his law degree at the Victoria University of Wellington.
“Stuck in front of a laptop sitting my final exam on the morning of that Brumbies game was definitely a memorable way to finish my degree,” Plummer said.
“I couldn’t wait to get out on the field after that and stretch the legs. I’m extremely grateful for the help of both Avan [Lee, Hurricanes CEO] and Alice [Bradnock, Professional Development Manager], who made sure I was able to juggle everything that day.”
Plummer’s commitment and willingness to learn make him a tantalising prospect for Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw.
“Hugo came in as our injury replacement this year and really just made every post a winner,” Laidlaw said.
“He got his head down and worked hard. He’s a really good learner, takes on information well, works out what he’s good at, works out what he needs to be better at, and then really goes about building his weeks.
“As a younger professional, we’re really impressed by that ability.
“There’s a whole heap of growth still to come in his rugby, but he’s somebody we think, with his energy and work rate around the field, can really complement the rest of the back five in the forward pack.”
Be sure to catch Hugo and the Hurricanes in action next season when memberships go on sale from 1 September!
Hugo Plummer
Date of birth: 25 August 2000 (24-years-old)
Place of birth: Wellington, New Zealand
Position: Lock
Height: 1.98m
Weight: 119kg
Hurricanes Number: #310
Hurricanes Caps: 8
Hurricanes Points: 0
Playing career: Wellington (2022-present), Hurricanes (2023, 2025-present), Highlanders (2024)
Honours: 2x NPC champion (2022, 2024)
