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Sport Nation
Ngani Laumape signs on with Moana Pasifika
Sport Nation • June 10th, 2025 12:00 pm
Ngani Laumape | Photo: Photosport
Moana Pasifika have bolstered their playing roster with another high-profile recruit, announcing the acquisition of former All Black Ngani Laumape.
The former Hurricanes midfielder has inked a two-year deal with the Auckland-based side for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. He'll also return to the NPC's Manawatu Turbos.
The 32-year-old Tongan is fresh back from three years in Japan with Japan Rugby League One side Kobelco Steelers.
Powered by talismanic captain Ardie Savea, Moana Pasifika rose to new heights in 2025, narrowly missing out on their first Super Rugby Pacific playoffs berth.
Laumape says he wants to be a part of the burgeoning franchise and its journey.
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"One of the reasons I came back was to be part of the first Moana Pasifika team to win the competition,” Laumape said.
"Obviously there has to be a lot of hard work and a lot of things behind the scenes that we’ll have to do but why can’t our culture and our people do something great in this competition.
"That’s pretty inspiring and definitely motivating."
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The Palmerston North-product was a schoolboy star before making the switch to rugby league, playing 30 games for the NZ Warriors.
In 2016, he transitioned back to the 15-man code with the Hurricanes, eventually earning his first Test call-up against the British & Irish Lions a year later.
He went on to play 15 Tests and two matches for the All Blacks between 2017-2020, scoring 10 tries.
Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said: “We’re excited to welcome Ngani to our Moana Pasifika aiga. Ngani is a talented player who has proven himself on the international stage. From his experience in league, the All Blacks, as well as in France and in Japan, he has an open and mature outlook on the game.
“Ngani is also a great person who has done well for himself and his family, and I know he’ll be able to integrate smoothly into our team environment.”
