MIDLANDS HURRICANES have secured backrower Mikey Wood and winger Matty Chrimes until the end of the 2028 season.
Coach Mark Dunning reckons much-travelled 29-year-old Wood, who was already under terms for 2026 and has now penned a contract extension, is key to the ambitious Birmingham club’s bid to move forward on the field as well as off it.
Wood started out at hometown team Huddersfield, winning England Academy recognition as he came through the development system to play twice at first-team level while also having temporary spells at Halifax, Newcastle Thunder, Oldham and Bradford.
He joined Bradford for the 2019 season, then represented Newcastle, Hunslet, Sheffield and Swinton.
Wood played once for Midlands on dual-registration in 2023 before signing for them on a two-year contract ahead of last season, when he featured 20 times and took his career appearance tally past 200.
He was named both the club’s coaches’ and players’ player of the year.
“Mikey brings a lot to the group,” explained Dunning.
“We have seen what he brings to the team with his contributions on the field, and he is now entering the prime stages of his career.
“His previous experience at Championship level will be extremely important to us going into our maiden season in the (new) second tier, and his unbridled commitment to the club and the wider Hurricanes project is evident.”
Wood added: “I jumped at the opportunity to extend my contract.
“I’m really enjoying my time at here. The Hurricanes are a club that I believe are making massive steps to build a solid foundation and a successful future rather than spending their way to success unsustainably.
“I want to do my best to help the club move forward with this aim by continuing to play my best rugby.”
Chrimes, meanwhile, has scored 22 tries in 31 appearances for Midlands since joining in 2023, initially on loan, from Sheffield.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to get another couple of years locked in on my contract – I have loved my time at the Canes so far,” said the 28-year-old.