A former All Black thinks it is time for New Zealand to have a Pacific Islander coach.
Star Moana Pasifika signing Ngani Laumape wants to see Tana Umaga given the job in the wake of Scott Robertson's sacking in January.
In 2024, players with Pacific Island heritage made up 14 of the 32-man All Blacks squad, with Christian Lio-Willie, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Du'Plessis Kirifi earning caps in 2025.
With such a predominant Pasifika contingent in the squad, Laumape says it is time for a cultural change and that Umaga is the inspirational leader needed.
Laumape says when Umaga speaks, everyone listens, when he talks about their purpose, it gives him goosebumps.
He says when Umaga talks like that, the boys are pretty revved up to go out and play for him, and he feels like he will be an awesome coach for the All Blacks.
Fellow former All Black Sonny Bill Williams also touted Umaga as the man for the role.
Williams says they need some more flavour in the coaching group and he is a big believer that in order to correct, you must connect, and these players at this level know how to play rugby.
He says what got the best out of him was believing in the coaches, wanting to go out there and run through a brick wall.
The man himself was coy on the prospect when asked this week, shifting the focus to his side's round one clash with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
Umaga says he has got a big enough job doing what he is doing right now.
He said through the love of his parents and his Māori wife, he is privileged to understand what New Zealand means on "a lot of different levels."
The former All Blacks captain says he is a very proud New Zealander, born in Aotearoa, but he is also passionate about his heritage.
The powerful midfielder is now setting his sights on representing Tonga at next year's World Cup.
As the big name signing for Moana, Laumape said he won't be trying to replicate the influence of Ardie Savea in 2025.
He says they are not there to make numbers but to carry on what the boys did last year.
Moana Pasifika play the Drua at 3.35pm Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
In other games, the Crusaders meet the Highlanders at 6.05pm Friday followed by the Waratahs and Reds at 8.35pm, on Saturday, the Chiefs play the Blues at 6.05pm.
