Jason Holland is returning to the Hurricanes. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Outgoing All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland is returning to Hurricanes ahead of 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Holland announced in October that after a two-year spell as an All Blacks assistant coach, he would depart his role following the team's recent northern tour.
Previously a Hurricanes assistant coach from 2016 to 2019, and then head coach from 2020 to 2023, Holland will reprise his role as an assistant for next season.
Led by head coach Clark Laidlaw, Holland joins a coaching team that includes fellow assistants Jamie Mackintosh, Cory Jane, Brad Cooper, and Bryn Evans.
"I'm hugely grateful and excited by the opportunity to be back at the Hurricanes," Holland said.
"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."
During his initial stint with the Hurricanes, Holland was part of the coaching group that delivered the club its sole Super Rugby title in 2016.
Laidlaw said they were excited to have Holland return to the club.
"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 said.
He added that with an increased squad, as well as Holland's experience and availability, it made sense to bring him back to the club.
"With the squad going up to 50 players during pre-season, we were looking for a coach to come in and help. The timing and opportunity for Alfie [Holland's nickname] to come in, and his excitement and enthusiasm for the role, was too good to miss."
Prior to his involvement with the Hurricanes, Holland enjoyed a successful period as Munster assistant coach between 2008 and 2012, before winning the 2013 NPC as a Canterbury assistant coach.
As a player, Holland represented both Manawatū and Taranaki in the NPC before making more than 100 appearances for Munster.