Moana Pasifika announced today that they have signed on former All Black Ngani Laumape for Super Rugby seasons 2026 and 2027.
The 32-year-old has most recently been playing for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, where he played alongside Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea.
With 15 All Black test matches under his belt, Laumpae is a welcome signing for Moana Pasifika, who just released 15 of their squad members on Friday.
Laumape, described as a ‘wrecking ball’, had a very successful stint in Super Rugby with the Hurricanes between 2016 to 2021, scoring 46 tries across six seasons.
Most notably, he was a part of the franchise’s first-ever Super Rugby title win in 2016.
Laumape reflects on the win, and marks that as “one of the reasons I came back… to be part of the first Moana Pasifika team to win the competition.”
Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga says they’re “excited” about the signing, and that Laumape is a “talented player who has proven himself on the international stage.”
New Zealand rugby fans are stoked to see him back in action in Aotearoa, and the comments are a clear reflection of that excitement.
“Oh, mean less go,” said one commenter.
Another saw the silver lining: “Not the 16 players leaving to be replaced by Superman,” followed by “Up da Moanaaaaaaa”.
Moana will be a different team next season.
Laumape has also been confirmed to be joining the Manawatū turbos for the 2025 and 2026 NPC seasons.
Can’t wait to see him tear it up once again.
