Rugby: No captain named for Hurricanes

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett. Photo / Geoff Sloan

The squad has been announced but the Hurricanes don't yet have a captain as yet.

There are 11 new faces in the 32-man squad with many making the jump from the ITM Cup.

But coach Mark Hammett says they're yet to appoint a skipper.

"We are going to announce that early in the new year,'' Hammett says.

"There are certainly some clear options - guys that have captained ITM Cup teams,'' he says.

The contenders are thought be be All Blacks Conrad Smith and Victor Vito.

Smith says he's unsure if he wants to lead the side.

"I don't know. I am working through that,'' Smith says.

"I'm talking with Hammer , there's no rush on it and he doesn't want to rush me so we'll talk about it and sort it out in due course.''

Also joining are Samoan first-five Tusi Pisi and former Crusaders midfielder Tim Bateman.

The pair won't arrive until late February when the Japanese club season ends.