Former All Blacks, Hurricanes star signs with Moana Pasifika

Moana Pasifika have welcomed former All Black Ngani Laumape to their team for the upcoming 2026 and 2027 Super Rugby Pacific seasons.

At 32 years old, Laumape joins Moana Pasifika after spending the last three seasons with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, where he played alongside Moana's captain, Ardie Savea.

Laumape's signing, announced on Tuesday, is a big boost for the Moana Pasifika squad, which has now secured 30 out of 38 spots for 2026.

The announcement also follows the departure of 15 players from the club, including the Inisi brothers, Lotu and Fine, Danny Toala, Michael Curry, Neria Fomai, and Alamanda Motuga.

One of the most talked-about departures is young star Kyren Taumoefolau, known for his speed and skill. The Tongan-capped All Blacks hopeful is reportedly joining the Chiefs to replace Shaun Stevenson.

Laumape says he wants to be a part of the first Moana side to win the Super Rugby title.

"One of the reasons I came back was to be part of the first Moana Pasifika team to win the competition," he says.

"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."

Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga says, "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 [rugby] 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," Umaga says.

Laumape is proud of his Tongan heritage, which has roots in the villages of Nukuhetulu and Folaha. He was born and raised in Palmerston North, where he excelled at rugby while attending Palmerston North Boys' High School First XV and New Zealand Schools alongside Savea and Sione Mafile'o, another player on the Moana Pasifika side.

Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga, left, and captain Ardie Savea. Photo/Moana Pasifika

Known for his powerful playing style, Laumape is considered difficult for opponents to tackle. He is often described as a "wrecking ball" for his strong ball-carrying ability and unpredictable moves during attacks.

Laumape started his career in rugby league, making his debut for the New Zealand Warriors in 2013. He played for two seasons and scored 11 tries.

He then transitioned to rugby union, joining the Hurricanes in 2016. He quickly made a name for himself with his strong running and scoring abilities, helping the Hurricanes win their first-ever Super Rugby title.

In 2017, he stood out as the leading tryscorer in the competition, scoring 15 tries and 49 tries over six seasons with the 'Canes.

Ngani Laumape for the Hurricanes against the Highlanders in Wellington, 30 April 2021. Photo/John Cowpland/Photosport

His impressive performance caught the attention of the All Blacks selectors, leading to his international debut during the 2017 series against the British and Irish Lions, where he stepped in for the suspended Sonny Bill Williams.

Between 2017 and 2020, he played 15 matches for the All Blacks and scored 10 tries.

In addition to joining Moana Pasifika, Laumape will return to play for the Manawatū Turbos in the National Provincial Championship (NPC).