All Black to leave New Zealand to further his career abroad
Hurricanes and All Blacks centre Peter Umaga-Jensen.
The Hurricanes have announced that All Blacks centre Peter Umaga-Jensen has been granted an early release from his contract with them to further his career with a Japanese club.
Umaga-Jensen was born in Wellington and played his entire career in the region for the Wellington Lions in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) and the Hurricanes at Super Rugby level.
The one-Test All Black made his Hurricanes debut against the Reds in 2018 and has gone on to cement his spot in that side.
Suffered injury setback
After impressing in his debut season for the Hurricanes, Umaga-Jensen sustained a shoulder injury while on NPC duty with Wellington and had to rehab for the 2019 Super Rugby season.
Umaga-Jensen went on to shine for the Hurricanes during their 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign.
The 27-year-old has played in 54 Super Rugby matches for the Hurricanes and made his 50th appearance for them during their clash with the Crusaders in round nine of Super Rugby this year.
He crossed for a brace of tries in his 50th appearance and, more recently, repeated that feat against Moana Pasifika, which included an impressive 50-metre solo effort.
Umaga-Jensen made his All Blacks debut as a 22-year-old when he came off the bench against the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Cup Test of the year at Eden Park.
He has also made 68 appearances for Wellington in the NPC and is looking forward to a new challenge and adventure in Japan.
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“I started here as a young fella chasing a dream, and it’s been an incredible ride ever since,” Umaga-Jensen told the Hurricanes’ official website. “I’ve made memories that will stay with me forever and built lifelong friendships that I’ll always treasure.
“One day, I hope I’ll be sitting down with all the boys, sharing a beer and a laugh as we look back on everything we experienced together.
‘Until next time’
“Thank you to the Hurricanes for giving a Wainui kid the chance to live out his dream. Until next time.”
Meanwhile, Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw paid tribute to Umaga-Jensen and admitted that he will be greatly missed.
“He played 54 games for the Hurricanes, which is a great achievement,” he said. “Local boy, local family – representing his club Wainuiomata, with great distinction.
“This year, he really stepped up and played some of his best rugby in a Hurricanes jersey.
“Everyone at the club wishes him all the best, and we look forward to keeping in touch and welcoming him back to the club whenever he’s back in Wellington.
“It’s a great opportunity for his family to experience a new lifestyle and a different rugby journey.
“We are going to miss him. He’s made a huge contribution to the team.”
