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Auckland winger Salesi Rayasi among six new faces added to Hurricanes team for 2019

October 31, 2018

Rayasi and former Highlanders first-five Fletcher Smith are eager to show their worth when the squad assembles later next month.

The Hurricanes have added six new faces to their 2019 Super Rugby squad today under new head coach John Plumtree, with one former player James Marshall returning after a stint in the United Kingdom and Japan.

Auckland winger Salesi Rayasi, Wellington midfielder Billy Proctor, former Highlanders first-five Fletcher Smith, former Crusaders loose forward Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Wellington flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi and Manawatū utility forward Liam Mitchell have been joined the Hurricanes for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

Plumtree says there is a good mix of youth and experience in his 38-man squad.

"A lot of the boys have been together for a long period of time but at the same side there is a lot of exciting youngsters that we have brought in," said Plumtree.

"We've brought some guys in for development but we've got others who we think are good to go."

Outside back Rayasi, 22, has had a stellar season with Auckland and is looking to learn more about his craft from star backs Nehe Milner-Skudder, Ben Lam and Wes Goosen.

"Those guys have been there done that and they’re established. I'm going to come in here and learn off them," said Rayasi.

"Obviously it is competitive at the same time, spots will be hard but that is the same as any other team I guess. I'm looking forward to it and looking forward to just learning."

Smith, 23, says he is looking to add to his game learning from All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett.

"I think Beaudy is the best 10 in the world, so I'm going to find out why that is the case, so I'm really looking forward to working with him, soak up everything I can," said Smith.

"I'm just really excited about being here so I don't think there is too much pressure on that, you just got to come in here and enjoy the new environment and see what happens I suppose."

The Hurricanes are set to assemble on November 29 minus players involved with the All Blacks and Māori All Blacks end of year tours.

Hurricanes 2019 squad:

Backs:

Outside backs: Jordie Barrett (Taranaki), Ben Lam (Wellington), Jonah Lowe (Hawke's Bay), Nehe Milner-Skudder (Manawatu), James Marshall, Salesi Rayasi (Auckland).

Midfield backs: Vince Aso (Auckland), Wes Goosen (Wellington), Ngani Laumape (Manawatu), Billy Proctor (Wellington), Matt Proctor (Wellington).

First-fives: Beauden Barrett (Taranaki), Jackson Garden-Bachop (Wellington), Fletcher Smith (Waikato).

Halfbacks: Finlay Christie (Tasman), Richard Judd (Bay of Plenty), TJ Perenara (Wellington).

Forwards:

Loose forwards: Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Gareth Evans (Hawke's Bay), Vaea Fifita (Wellington), Sam Henwood (Counties Manukau), Du'Plessis Kirifi (Wellington), Reed Prinsep (Canterbury), Ardie Savea (Wellington).

Locks: James Blackwell (Wellington), Geoff Cridge (Hawke's Bay), Sam Lousi (Wellington), Liam Mitchell (Manawatu), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Wellington).

Props: Fraser Armstrong (Manawatu), Chris Eves (North Harbour), Alex Fidow (Wellington), Ben May (Hawke's Bay), Toby Smith (Waikato), Jeff To'omaga-Allen (Wellington).

Hookers: Asafo Aumua (Wellington), Dane Coles (Wellington), Ricky Riccitelli (Taranaki).

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