Ngani Laumape: All Blacks centre joins new club on three-year contract

The future club of All Blacks centre Ngani Laumape has been confirmed after the ex-Hurricanes player signed a contract with Japanese team Kobe Steelers.

Laumape, who shot to fame playing for the Manawatu Turbos and Hurricanes, recently left his Top 14 side Stade Francais with two years to run on his deal.

Thus began speculation about his destination with talk of a return to New Zealand a possibility. But that has been cooled after Wednesday’s announcement.

Three-year deal in Japan

Laumape inks a three-year contract at the Japan Rugby League One side and is sure to add plenty of power and pace to their backline in the coming seasons.

He said: “I myself am a fan of Japanese rugby, which continues to grow, and believe that my style fits well with Japanese rugby and the Kobe Steelers.

“The challenge will continue until the end of the season. I will do my part to bring good results to Kobe Steelers and Steelers fans.

“I can’t wait to have new experiences in Japan with my family and to share the pitch with my new teammates.”

Left New Zealand in 2021

Laumape was once touted as the future long-term inside centre for the All Blacks before he fell out of favour and then could not agree a new contract with New Zealand Rugby. However, following injuries to the likes of Crusaders’ Jack Goodhue, one wonders what might have been had the pair managed to come to an agreement.

Kobe Steelers finished the 2022 season in seventh position, thus missing out on the knockout stages of the competition, which was won by Saitama Wild Knights.

The Steelers’ squad this year included fellow Kiwis Richard Buckman, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti and Tom Franklin, with former overseas players such as Ben Smith, Lukhanyo Am, Brodie Retallick, Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Andries Bekker, Jaque Fourie, Rob Cribb and Peter Grant having played there in the past.

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