Exodus
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Fifteen-cap All Black Ngani Laumape has switched international allegiance to Tonga, it has been revealed.
The Kobelco Kobe Steelers centre earned the last of his 15 caps in November 2020, but, given the 30-year-old has Tongan parents, he has now committed his international future to his parents' country of birth.
He first declared his interest in playing for the ‘Ikale Tahi when the birthright ruling was introduced by World Rugby in 2021. He has been eligible since November last year, however it was too late for him to be involved in the World Cup. He will likely line up in the centre alongside another former All Black in Malakai Fekitoa.
“Our priority now is to qualify for the World Cup so there is still a use for those players and bringing their leadership into the group. And at the same time, we have got guys like Ngani Laumape, who has put his hand up to come in,” assistant coach Nili Latu told RugbyPass.
“Over 80% of the World Cup squad are over 30 and as we’re looking to build some of those players may give us a year or two.
“I think it is really important that we do keep some high-profile players to lead the way for the next generation. A few of the boys have already asked for time off for family reasons and, for me that gives opportunity for the next person.”
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Jay Renton signs with Houston
Houston SaberCats Adds Jay Renton - djcoilrugby
The Houston SaberCats signed Jay Renton for the remainder of the 2024 Major League Rugby season. The 26-year-old scrumhalf is 5'10" and 186 lbs. Jay, who is from New Zealand, attended Southland Boys' High School. He played with the New Zealand Under 20s and professionally for the Southland Stags...
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@Machpants He said a stint in Super Rugby so I see no reason why he can't be thrown in with either the Force, Landers or Moana Pasifika.
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@Machpants said in Exodus:
Capped for Japan? Not interested 'kiwi boy'
I'd take him at the Canes, I mean we signed Ben Grant who's an Aussie.
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@Machpants said in Exodus:
Capped for Japan? Not interested 'kiwi boy'
Even if he moved next season he wouldn't be eligible for the ABs until he's 26. Seems like a big call for the kid, if he wanted to be in the mix you'd think he'd have headed back already
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@canefan I feel like 26 is still very young for a lock. It's not like he's an outside back.
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@Canes4life said in Exodus:
@canefan I feel like 26 is still very young for a lock. It's not like he's an outside back.
With his bloodlines he should be able to make the jump. I guess he could play into his early 30s easily
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@Canes4life said in Exodus:
@Machpants said in Exodus:
Capped for Japan? Not interested 'kiwi boy'
I'd take him at the Canes, I mean we signed Ben Grant who's an Aussie.
And I'm of the same opinion of that signing.
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@Canes4life said in Exodus:
@Machpants said in Exodus:
Capped for Japan? Not interested 'kiwi boy'
I'd take him at the Canes, I mean we signed Ben Grant who's an Aussie.
He's over 2m so he's too tall.
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Solomone Funaki signs with Dragons
'Moana Man of the Year' Solomone Funaki signs with Dragons
Moana Pasifika's reigning Player of the Year Solomone Funaki has agreed to a deal with Welsh club Dragons for the 2024/25 season.
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Good time to move on with Lotu Inisi overtaking him.
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Rising Canterbury star Blair Murray is piquing the interest of the Welsh regions.
The 22-year-old, who can play at outside-half and in the back-three, is Welsh-qualified courtesy of his mother and his representatives have made contact with Wales' professional sides to see if they would be interested in acquiring his services. Murray is a part of the wider Crusaders squad but has played the majority of his rugby for Canterbury in the Bunnings NPC.
Young New Zealand rugby talent interests Welsh regions and he can play for Wales
A promising Welsh qualified youngster is on the market
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Fissler Confidential: Ulster keen on NZ 10 as Shark departs English shores
Ulster have been talking with Hurricanes’ ex-New Zealand U20s international Aidan Morgan in their quest for a new fly-half.
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