Former All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape has signed for Moana Pasifika for the next two Super Rugby seasons.
The 32-year-old is fresh off three seasons with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One competition, where he played alongside Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea.
“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.”
The powerful Laumape, who played 15 Tests for the All Blacks between 2017 and 2020, is a former New Zealand secondary schools representative who returned to rugby union after playing two seasons for the Warriors.
Moana Pasifika 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.”
The signing of Laumape, who is of Tongan descent, followed a large cleanout of Moana Pasifka's squad after they finished in seventh place, narrowly missing this season's playoffs.
They now have 30 of 38 positions in their squad filled for the 2026 season.
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