The Hurricanes have announced the signing of young up-and-comer, Hurricanes and New Zealand under-20 representative, Harry Godfrey until the end of 2025.
Godfrey, into his second year as part of the National Development Contracted group, has had an exciting start to the year.
The 20-year-old first saw minutes during the Hurricanes’ come-from-behind 31-26 win over the reigning champion Crusaders in their pre-season hit-out in Levin in February, with Godrey helping to guide the team home after trailing 26-7 early in the second half.
He then went on to debut off the bench against the Reds in round one of the 2023 DHL Super Rugby competition, becoming Hurricane #303, before coming off the bench against the Rebels the following week. He made his first start of the season at fullback this past weekend, against the Western Force.
Godfrey said he was thrilled with the opportunity, adding; “Growing up in this region, I’ve always watched the Hurricanes so to be a part of this group is a dream come true. I’m excited about what is to come.”
Head Coach, Jason Holland, said Godfrey’s signing was another nod to the success of the Hurricanes’ systems and development pathway.
“It’s great to get Harry over the line and hats off to Hurricanes systems and pathways.
“He was obviously a quality player for Whanganui Collegiate back then, and he’s come through the NDC pathway, and this year has really taken an extra step forward in terms of maturity and in his understanding of what it takes to be a professional footy player.
“We feel that he’s ready,” said Holland.
Hurricanes Under-20 Development Squad Coach Darren Larsen said Godfrey was an exciting player who had worked hard throughout the development pathway.
“His signing and his development prove again the strength and the importance of those pathways. Harry was always operating a year younger in his age band, so that gave him the opportunity to come into Hurricanes Under-20s three years younger, making this his third year with our Under-20s.
“The pathway is set up for them at the beginning. I remember sitting down with Harry’s parents at Whanganui Collegiate when he was around 17 and talking about the Hurricanes pathway and the opportunity to come through Hurricanes Under-18s.
“The pathway program is set up at an early age but it’s always up to the player to put in the work and he’s one of those players that has stayed on track and his progress has been sound.
“The big thing we’ve seen out of Harry this year is his maturity and growth. His consistency in driving the Hurricanes’ Under-20s with his game application was really evident at the last Taupō tournament. He was always a player who had all the ability but now he understands how to get that onto the field,” said Larsen.
