All Blacks and Hurricanes midfielder Ngani Laumape will be leaving New Zealand after the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition to link up with French Top 14 side, Stade Francais.
The 28-year-old's decision was tweeted by the Paris club and will prevent Laumape from adding to his 15 All Blacks test appearances.
With the rise of Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane and Braydon Ennor, Laumape faced stiff competition to hold down an All Blacks midfield spot, after missing selection for the 2019 World Cup.
He will be joined by England winger Harry Glover, French International prop Clément Castets, South African tighthead prop Nemo Roelofse and lock Romain Briatte, who have all been announced as Stade Francais players.
Laumape is likely to feature for the Hurricanes in their first Trans-Tasman match against the Waratahs at 9.45pm Friday.
In other matches, the Highlanders will host the Reds at 7.05pm Friday, the Crusaders will play the Brumbies at 7.05pm Saturday, the Rebels will face the Blues at 9.45pm Saturday and the Chiefs take on the Western Force at 11.55pm Saturday.
Newshub.co.nz
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