Ex-All Blacks centre sets sensational Super Rugby target after signing with Moana Pasifika
Ex-All Blacks centre Ngani Laumape and an inset of Tana Umaga.
Former All Blacks centre Ngani Laumape has confirmed his move to Super Rugby Pacific ahead of the 2026 season.
The powerhouse midfielder has signed a deal with Moana Pasifika for two seasons as he returns to Super Rugby after a spell in France with Top 14 club Stade Français.
That was followed by three seasons in the Japan Rugby League One with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
Laumape returns
The 15-Test All Black’s arrival bolsters the 2026 Moana Pasifika squad, with 30 of the 38 roster spots now locked in.
“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.”
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.”
Laumape made a successful switch from rugby league in 2016 and the wrecking ball midfielder quickly made his mark, helping the Hurricanes win their first-ever Super Rugby title that same year.
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He continued his spectacular form in the 2017 season, where he finished as the competition’s top try-scorer with 15 to his name. In total, he scored 49 times in his six seasons in the capital.
Nicknamed the ‘Mini Bus’, Laumape’s standout campaign caught the eye of All Blacks selectors, earning him his Test debut in the 2017 British and Irish Lions series in New Zealand, stepping in to start for the suspended Sonny Bill Williams in the series decider.
The last of his 15 Test matches for New Zealand came in the 2020 Tri Nations clash against the Wallabies.
Laumape is now eligible to switch international allegiances to Tonga if he wishes to do so, having completed his three-year stand-down period from Test rugby.
Moana Pasifika have also confirmed that Laumape will return to action for the Manawatū Turbos in the National Provincial Championship.
