Hurricanes duo ink new deals

Wellington - In-form wing Ben Lam and hooker Ricky Riccitelli have committed themselves to the Hurricanes, both agreeing new deals with the Wellington outfit.

Continuing to help the Hurricanes strive for success has been a major motivating factor behind the pair extending their contracts.

Lam, 26, has signed a two-year extension beyond the 2018 season while Riccitelli, 23, has committed to the end of 2021.

The pair have been in great form so far in 2018, with Lam leading the try scoring statistics, having crossed eight times, while Riccitelli has started every match.

"I've really been impressed with everything about the club since I moved from Auckland and that has convinced me I want to be part of it for even longer," Lam said.

"There are things we are all trying to achieve and I believe I can play a big part of that. I'm also really enjoying myself here so the decision was an easy one, really."

Riccitelli echoed his team-mates thoughts, saying he definitely wanted to play a big part in the club going forward.

"The motivation for me was pretty simple," he said. "I want the Hurricanes to get to and stay at the top and I want to be part of it for the next three years. The club has played a big part in my development as a player and I want that to continue."

Hurricanes assistant coach Jason Holland was delighted to know he would be able to continue to work closely with Lam.

"Ben's shown already this season his qualities and we believe he can play a big part of our plans going forward," he said.

"He's the sort of guy you really want in and around your squad and the respect he has amongst his peers is obvious."

John Plumtree, who will take over as head coach in 2019, also saw those attributes in Riccitelli.

"He continues to do everything we ask of him and it's really important to us that he continues to be part of our squad and club as we move forward," he said.

"The fact that he has signed on for another three years shows just how important we think he is and the role he plays will continue to grow."