Thrush will become just the 36th player and eighth Hurricane to reach the 100 Super Rugby matches milestone – and all on the eve of his 30th birthday.

The Auckland-born Hurricane and 11-Test All Black, made his Super Rugby debut against the same opposition back in 2008, and earned his first All Blacks cap against France in Christchurch in June, 2013.  He has scored nine Super Rugby tries for the Hurricanes, but is valued by his peers for the passion, high work rate, and hard edge he has instilled into his game.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said: “Thrushy is one of our favourites. He’s a great leader among our squad, sets very high expectations, and it’s great to see him achieve this milestone. Hopefully we can give him a good result this weekend.”

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said: “Jeremy is an outstanding athlete with a huge ethic and his tenacity ensures he makes his presence felt on the field.  Reaching 100 Super Rugby matches is a significant achievement and we congratulate him on joining what is still, quite an exclusive club of Super Rugby centurions.”

Thrush will be presented with a pounamu mere – New Zealand Rugby’s traditional gift for centurions – following the Hurricanes’ Round 10 Investec Super Rugby match against the defending champion Waratahs at Westpac Stadium.