Jason Holland Hurricanes Return Signals Stability Amid Major Club Changes
The former head coach rejoins the Wellington franchise as an assistant to Clark Laidlaw following a brief stint with the national side.
Jason Holland has traded the high-pressure environment of the All Blacks coaching box for a familiar role back in the capital, confirming his return to the Hurricanes ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Having stepped away from Scott Robertson’s national setup after just two seasons as an assistant backs coach, Holland will now serve as a senior assistant under current head coach Clark Laidlaw. The move marks a swift reintegration for Holland, who is certainly no stranger to the inner workings of the Wellington-based franchise.
A Wealth of Experience Returning to the Fold
Holland’s history with the club is extensive. He served as the Hurricanes‘ head coach from 2020 through 2023, having previously cut his teeth as an assistant between 2016 and 2019. Ironically, it was Laidlaw who took the reins when Holland departed to join Robertson’s All Blacks staff for the 2024 campaign.
Now, the dynamic has shifted, with Holland bringing his test-level experience back to support Laidlaw.
“I’m hugely grateful and excited by the opportunity to be back at the Hurricanes,” Holland said regarding his appointment.
“It’s been awesome working alongside a great group of staff and players in the first few days since I’ve been back. They’ve created an exciting brand of Hurricanes rugby, so I’m expecting the upcoming season to be a lot of fun.”
Holland noted upon his resignation from the All Blacks—announced prior to their northern hemisphere tour—that there was “no major thing” behind his decision to leave, citing a desire to do what was best for him personally.
Bolstering the Backroom Staff
The logistics of a modern Super Rugby pre-season played a significant role in the recruitment process. With squads ballooning to 50 players during the summer preparations, the Hurricanes were actively seeking an experienced hand to manage the workload.
For Laidlaw, the availability of a former head coach was an opportunity simply “too good to miss.”
“We’re hugely excited to have Alfie [Holland] return to the club and assist us for the season ahead,” Laidlaw said.
“He obviously has a wealth of experience, not only at the Hurricanes as a head coach and attack coach, but also in the last couple of years with the All Blacks. We feel that, with his experience and ability and knowledge to help us with our attacking game, he’ll be a huge asset.”
Laidlaw highlighted the strategic advantage of having a former head coach in the ranks, noting that Holland understands the unique week-to-week demands of the role, effectively providing a “second pair of eyes” on the environment.
Holland slots into an established coaching unit that includes Jamie Mackintosh, Cory Jane, Brad Cooper, and Bryn Evans.
Sweeping Changes at Boardroom Level
While Jason Holland returns to the Hurricanes on the pitch, the franchise is undergoing a massive overhaul off it.
The club has confirmed a new ownership structure following the sale of shares by the Wellington Rugby Football Union (WRFU). The union, which had held a 50% stake since the introduction of private investment in 2012, has sold its shareholding to NZ Sport Investment Ltd—a joint venture between property developer Malcolm Gillies and Summit Capital Ltd.
This shift comes as part of a necessary recapitalization for the provincial union. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has stepped in as a minority investor to support the refinancing strategy, which involves loan arrangements and a capital raise.
The structural shake-up has led to significant personnel changes:
- CEO Departure: Avan Lee has resigned after more than a decade at the helm.
- Interim Leadership: Tony Philp, previously the GM of Rugby, has stepped in as interim CEO.
- Board Revamp: Malcolm Gillies replaces Iain Potter as chair. Potter admitted in a parting statement that recent years had been financially difficult, with the franchise facing a potential $2 million loss.
- Management Exit: Long-serving team manager Tony Ward has departed after nearly 20 years to join the Western Force.
With a restructured board, new investment, and the return of a tactician of Holland’s calibre, the Hurricanes are clearly aiming to stabilize their future while sharpening their competitive edge for 2026.
