Employing the kaitiaki approach of guardians who ensure the protection and growth of their environment, the Hurricanes will require the quartet to drive who the side is, on and off the field.
Coach Clark Laidlaw said the approach was different, but it wasn't being done for the sake of being different.
"This is what we felt was the best way to structure and provide leadership and guidance within our environment this season.
"We are fortunate to have exceptional men who already naturally lead different facets of our game. If you couple that ability with the ever-changing picture to select 23 men each week, then it does give us some continuity with our leadership."
Hurricanes cultural advisor Te Wehi Wright said, "The concept of a kaitiaki was chosen for its holistic meaning which we thought was a good reflection of the environment and the kaupapa this team has been building over the last couple of years. It also has connections to the kōrero held within our haka."
Laidlaw said the reality is that they are unlikely to have four named skippers on the field or in the 23 at any one time.
"We'll designate a captain, or co-captains, week-to-week based on the make-up of the team, and who is available."
The quartet is not without leadership experience. Shields was the Hurricanes captain in 2018 and 2024, Proctor and Aumua led the Hurricanes at various times in 2024, while Kirifi led Wellington in the Bunnings NPC and led the All Blacks XV last year.
A core of leaders will be relevant as the side is down on key players for the start of the season against the Crusaders on Friday.
While blindside flanker Devan Flanders is the latest injury worry with a suspected broken leg suffered during a training incident, already off the selection list are All Blacks; prop Tyrel Lomax (stress fracture), hooker Asafo Aumua (foot surgery) and five-eighths/fullback Ruben Love (ankle surgery).
Aumua is expected to be available for round three, but Lomax and Love will have to wait until the sixth round.
Laidlaw told the media on Monday, "Devan has picked up a bad injury. It was a total freak accident warming up in the captain's run before the game on Thursday. He's got an ankle injury, and it looks like a leg break. We don't know how long that's going to be."
Aumua's recovery has been impressive, and he could have been selected for the opening at a push, but Laidlaw said they were looking at the longer term and the amount of rugby they have ahead of them.
Compounding the issue is that the first five-eighths' Brett Cameron and Lucas Cashmore are also out of consideration. That will see up-and-coming Hawke's Bay utility Harry Godfrey or former Crusader Riley Hohepa starting at first five-eighths.
However, Laidlaw has confidence in the less experienced pair.
"Have they got loads of experience with a Super Rugby team at first-five? No.
"So, it's our job to coach them and help them have a real conviction around the week."