Hurricanes standout Devan Flanders to join Japanese side

All Blacks XV back-rower Devan Flanders will leave Super Rugby leaders the Hurricanes this summer to join an unnamed Japanese side.

Havelock North native Flanders, 26, made three appearances for Jamie Joseph’s All Blacks XV in November and, having played a key role for Clark Laidlaw’s table-topping side this season, was expected to be in contention for Dave Rennie’s All Blacks.

The highly-regarded flanker, who has scored two tries in 10 appearances this year, is a product of the Hurricanes academy and made his senior debut against the Stormers in 2020.

“Wellington has become my second home, and I’ve truly appreciated the support from the community,” said Flanders whose move was announced by his New Zealand side on Monday.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time with the Canes, and the club is definitely in good hands moving forward.”

© Hurricanes

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw, the cousin of ex-Urayasu D-Rocks head coach Greig Laidlaw, commented on the departure of the 2020 NPC Championship winner.

“Devan's a true product of the region, played all his rugby for Hawke’s Bay and the Hurricanes, and has grown into an amazing man and a really good rugby player,” Laidlaw said.

“He’s done an amazing job with the coaches this year. An example of that is in the defensive lineout, where he’s a real leader now in an area of the game that is important.

“We’re going to miss him for sure, but we wish him and Mariah all the best with his future career. We look forward to continuing to connect and welcoming him home and back into the club whenever he wants to be back, because he’s a true Hurricane.”

RugbyJP understands that Urayasu is Flanders' most likely destination.

Graham Rowntree's Urayasu, who stunned then-leaders Saitama Wild Knights in Tokyo on Friday, will face a two-leg relegation play-off against division two opposition this month.

The Chiba-based team host fellow strugglers Mitsubishi Dynaboars in their final regular season game in Sagamihara on Sunday.