Tyrel Lomax has turned down several big offers from overseas clubs, including Ireland powerhouse Munster, to stay with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby.
It was announced this morning that the 30-year-old All Blacks tighthead prop had re-signed until 2029.
He admitted he had attracted attention from offshore.
In a recent interview with the Irish Examiner, Munster chief executive Ian Flanagan said: “We’ve tabled an offer for Tyrel Lomax…”
Munster is coached by former Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan.
Lomax, who has played 48 Tests, said: “Yeah, I had a couple of offers. We thought about them, but we have a young family and my wife and I love being here. We wouldn’t get that support on the other side of the world.”
1News presenter Scotty Stevenson wrote on May 12 that Lomax had decided to re-sign.
Lomax added: “Probably one of the benefits of being injured over the last 12 months was it gave me a lot of time to think about my position.
“Ultimately, I’m pretty happy being here in Wellington and New Zealand. My family is happy. I still love playing for the Hurricanes and I still love playing for the All Blacks.”
Lomax, the father of two young daughters, has been hampered by thumb and ankle injuries this season, but after playing 40 minutes for the Hurricanes against the Crusaders last weekend, is finally back to full fitness.
He has been named on the bench to play in the qualifier against the Brumbies in Wellington tomorrow night.
“I’m happy with where my body has got to over the last couple of months,” he said. “I got through 40 minutes last week and I’m just excited really, I haven’t played much rugby [recently].”
Of the Brumbies, who knocked out the Hurricanes in their first knockout match last season, he said: “We’ve gone through a bit of heartbreak against them over the last few years in Canberra. They know how to play finals footy.”
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie will name his first squad of the year on June 22.
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