Hurricanes halfback Ereatara Enari signs with Dragons in Wales

Thursday, 21 May 2026

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Another member of the Hurricanes’ title-chasing 2026 Super Rugby Pacific squad has confirmed they will be heading overseas at the end of the campaign.

Samoan international halfback Ereatara Enari is heading to Wales to play under Filo Tiatia at United Rugby Championship club Dragons next season, ending a decade-long professional career in New Zealand.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling to be leaving an environment that provides such a safe space for both of us and a lot of joy both on and off the field, but we’ve been praying for God to open doors overseas and here we are,” Enari said in a statement.

“After 10 years of my career in New Zealand, it’s time for a new challenge in a foreign environment and we are definitely not closing the door on New Zealand for good. It’s such a privilege to serve this team, and the main goal between now and July is to finish the job in front of us for our people.”

After three seasons with Moana Pasifika, Enari was signed by the Hurricanes to provide cover for Cam Roigard when Wellington legend TJ Perenara left for Japan in 2024. He had previously played for the Crusaders, making nine appearances across five championship-winning campaigns.

Although he has primarily served as back up to Roigard at the Hurricanes, a calf injury to the All Blacks star has thrust Enari into a starting role in recent weeks and his departure comes after the 28-year-old produced arguably his best performance at Super Rugby level, in a 47-24 victory over the Blues at Eden Park last weekend.

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Fehi Fineanganofo (England), Pouri Rakete-Stones (England), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Italy), Devan Flanders (Japan) and Riley Higgins (Wales) have also signed overseas from next season, while giant lock Warner Dearns will be returning to his Japanese club after a one-season sabbatical.

Enari has been named to start in the No 9 jersey against the Highlanders on Saturday – his 23rd appearance for the Hurricanes and his 65th overall in Super Rugby.

He has been capped seven times by Samoa and was part of their squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup after previously representing New Zealand at under-20 level.

Rather than recruit a replacement, the Hurricanes plan to promote Jai Tamati, 20, from the wider training squad next season, with Jordi Viljoen, 22, their other contracted halfback.

“Ere is an ultimate team man, hugely selfless, a man that has high values, high work ethic, and is playing some very good rugby,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said.

“He came in a couple of years ago when TJ Perenara left and we were looking for somebody to call on alongside Cam and the team.

“I think the performance against the Blues sums up how good we think he is. We’ve got a huge amount of trust and belief in his ability, and everybody else got to see that on Saturday.”