All Blacks Ma'a Nonu and Andrew Hore are looking for new Super Rugby franchises after being told by Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett they are not wanted for next year.
Hammett told the pair two days ago they would not be re-contracted despite both indicating they would like another season at the Wellington-based side.
He refused to elaborate on the reasons behind the decision to cut two of his All Blacks veterans.
"It's something you need to ask them but I think both of them would potentially have liked to have done one more season here," Hammett said.
"Because of that there's obviously some hurt feelings around that."
"But if you're asking if there's been yelling and screaming, then no of course there hasn't been."
Both players were clearly disappointed to be told they were no longer required.
Nonu gave a brief statement following Hurricanes training but refused to take questions from the media.
"It's pretty disappointing not being required next year," said Nonu, who has been linked with the Chiefs.
"I had nothing to do with the matter but I guess that's the way it goes."
"It's a shame but you move on."
"I've spent a third of my life with this team and I've met a lot of great guys and made a lot of friends over the years and I'm grateful for that," added the second five-eighths who has played more than 100 games for the Hurricanes since making his debut against the Crusaders in 2003.
"I'm pretty proud of what I've done in this team."
"In my wildest dreams I never thought I'd make the 'Canes as a kid."
"What was special about it was I got to play with my schoolboy heroes."
"I guess something I could leave behind is something for the kids to look up to as well."
"Hopefully they look up to what I've done in this jersey and I can be inspiration or role model to them."
"But it's not the end. I'll move on."
"I still get the chance to do what I love and that's play rugby wherever that may be. This is one setback."
Hore, the captain and another with more than 100 Hurricanes appearances under his belt, admitted that although the decision to axe him had been in the pipeline it had still hurt.
"Personally I wanted to stay here but Hammer and the coaches have decided it's time for me to move on and they are the bosses and I've got to take that," the 32-year-old said.
"How I react is what other people are going to think of me."
"I'm trying to keep my head up and play two more decent games of rugby for the Hurricanes and then move on and hopefully play some good rugby somewhere else."
"I would say I'm a humble guy and I was pretty keen to finish off on my own terms and move on when my time was done."
"I suppose that's the frustrating thing because I still think I've got a little bit to offer but that might have to be somewhere else now."
"I came here in 2002 and I've had a good trot."
"Instead of looking at the what-ifs I'm going to look at the last 104 games I've played and all the mates I've made up here."
"I'm pretty sure I can still get a free meal out a Porirua with some of the boys out there. So it hasn't been all