Former All Blacks outside centre Ngani Laumape has signed a two-year deal with Moana Pasifika starting next season.
The signing sees Laumape return to New Zealand shores for the first time since 2021, after being left out from the All Blacks squad that year.
While speaking on the signing, Laumape says one of the reasons he came back was to try and help Moana Pasifika win the competition.
He says there has to be a lot of hard work and a lot of things behind the scenes that they will have to do, and he asks why can’t our culture and our people do something great in this competition.
He adds that is pretty inspiring and motivating.
Moana Pasifika head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga says they are excited to welcome Laumape to the Moana Pasifika Family.
Umaga says Laumape is a talented player who has proven himself on the international stage, and from his experience in the league, the All Blacks, as well as in France and Japan, he has an open and mature outlook on the game.
He adds that Laumape is also a great person who has done well for himself and his family, and he knows the 32-year-old will be able to integrate smoothly into the Moana Pasifika team environment.
Meanwhile, the Super Rugby Pacific semi finals will kick off this Friday with the Crusaders hosting the Blues at 7.05pm in the first semi final, while the Chiefs will host the Brumbies at 7.05pm Saturday in the second semi final.
[Source: RugbyPass]
