The Hurricanes can confirm that Pouri Rakete-Stones will join the Newcastle Red Bulls following the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Rakete-Stones remains available and fully committed to the Hurricanes throughout the 2026 campaign, where he will play a key role both on and off the field.
A long-serving member of the Hurricanes, Rakete-Stones is a product of the club’s development system, having played for the Hurricanes U18 and U20 teams before making his senior debut against the Stormers in 2020.
Since then, the 28-year-old prop has played 52 matches for the club, making his 50th appearance during last year’s round nine clash against the Crusaders in Wellington.
At provincial level, Rakete-Stones has featured 94 times for Hawke’s Bay in the NPC, winning the Ranfurly Shield twice and claiming the NPC Championship in 2020.
Internationally, he has also represented the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV, and won two Oceania Rugby U20 Championships and a World Rugby U20 Championship with the New Zealand U20 team between 2016 and 2017.
Confirmation of Rakete-Stones' departure to Newcastle follows the announcement of Hurricanes teammate Fehi Fineanganofo’s exit to the Red Bulls earlier this week.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to have been a Hurricane over the past seven years,” Rakete-Stones said.
“The Hurricanes are all I’ve ever known in my Super Rugby career, and I’m really proud of everything I’ve done in the black-and-yellow jersey. That wouldn’t have been possible without the coaches and culture at the club since I’ve been here.
“Both my wife and I have made friendships and memories for life, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the club.
“I’d also like to make a special shoutout to the current coaching staff from the past three seasons. I have particularly noticed my growth as a player during this time.
“As sad as I am to leave this club, I am excited to create a home in the UK with my family and take everything I’ve learned from both the Hurricanes and Magpies to really lock in and give it my all.”
Although disappointed to lose a player of his experience, Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw acknowledged Rakete-Stones' contribution to the club.
“Pouri’s a true Hurricane. He’s played 90-odd games for Hawke’s Bay, came through the Hawke’s Bay and Hurricanes systems, and is a 50-cap Hurricane,” Laidlaw said.
“It’s something we’re really proud of, that he’s a true Hurricane.
“We think he’s in a real sweet spot in his career. He’s really matured into a top professional, he’s set-up off the field, married and with his family, and we think he’s playing his best rugby.
“We wish him, Lily, Jax, and Isla all the best for their journey overseas and look forward to watching his career. We hope he does really well and enjoys his new club.”
