Rugby: Eaton the next Hurricane set to be released

Jason Eaton's approach has been questioned. Photo / Getty Images

Jason Eaton is believed to be the only other high profile Hurricanes player in danger of being culled rather than shifting franchise by choice.

The 28-year-old lock is off contract and is uncertain to feature in coach Mark Hammett's plans for next season.

Once a burgeoning talent, Eaton's career has stalled as a result of serious injury.

He hasn't developed the way many thought he would after he stormed on to the international scene in 2005.

A close friend of Andrew Hore's, Eaton is unlikely to have enjoyed the last few weeks of turbulence and the way the skipper has been handled.

The Hurricanes have already lost lock Bryn Evans to Wasps in London and fellow front five players Neemia Tialata, John Schwalger and Anthony Perenise - all shifting to European clubs.

Eaton's experience would be handy to retain but having impressed at the start of the season when he reported for duty fit and eager, he's tailled off during the campaign.

The coaching team are not convinced Eaton is as professional in his approach as he needs to be.

The Hurricanes still have Mark Reddish, James Broadhurst and Jeremy Thrush, so could afford to lose Eaton.

The Chiefs would potentially be interested in acquiring Eaton if he's moved on - the Hamilton outfit having never really had a top tight five.

Whether any other Hurricanes stars move on is down to the individuals rather than the coach.

Piri Weepu, Cory Jane and Hosea Gear have all been made offers. Gear is likely to be the easiest to convince to stay.

Jane has talked of his shock at the decision to axe Nonu and has aired his doubts about the direction management want to take the team.

With Mils Muliaina leaving the Chiefs, there is an opening for a fullback but Jane, like Nonu and Weepu, is thought to prefer to stay in Wellington.

Jane has been trawling the offshore market as well - initially fielding offers from Ulster and Japan before deciding against both.

It is likely that if he doesn't want to stay at the Hurricanes, he'll move overseas.

Weepu is in much the same boat and, while he and Jane both feel loyalty to Nonu, they have to make decisions that make sense longer term.