Moana Pasifika have pulled off a major coup, signing centre Ngani Laumape for the 2026 and 2027 Super Rugby Pacific seasons.
Laumape returns to New Zealand Rugby after three years with Kobelco Kobe Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One Competition.
Watch the SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific semi finals live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
The 32-year-old has played 15 Tests for the All Blacks, debuting in the 2017 British & Irish Lions series in New Zealand.
“One of the reasons I came back was to be part of the first Moana Pasifika team to win the competition,” Laumape said in a powerful statement.
“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.”
Laumape initially made his name in the NRL with the New Zealand Warriors, scoring 11 tries in 30 games.
He joined the Hurricanes in 2016 and helped them to their first ever Super Rugby title, before finishing as Super Rugby's highest try-scorer with 15 in 2017.
“We’re excited to welcome Ngani to our Moana Pasifika aiga. Ngani is a talented player who has proven himself on the international stage," head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said
"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.”
He will also return to play for the Manawatū Turbos in the National Provincial Championship.
