The Hurricanes are set to welcome former star Ngani Laumape to Wellington when they host Moana Pasifika in their opening match of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Five years on from his final outing for the Hurricanes, Laumape is primed to return to Sky Stadium as his old side host his new team in their season-opening clash on Friday, 20 February 2026.
It comes after Laumape spent six seasons as a Hurricane between 2016 and 2021, during which time the 32-year-old midfielder made 85 appearances and scored 49 tries for the club, won a Super Rugby title in 2016, and became a 15-test All Black.
Laumape went on to play for French club Stade Français and the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan Rugby League One, before his signing with Moana Pasifika was announced in June.
Now back in New Zealand, the Anzac XV representative and former Warriors NRL convert has resumed service with Manawatū in the NPC and is eagerly anticipating his return to the Cake Tin.
“Wellington will always be home, and the Hurricanes will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m grateful for everything they have done for me and my family,” Laumape said.
“We’re all mates off the field but once the game starts, it’s just business as usual. It’s going to be exciting to play against the Canes, this time honouring my Tongan heritage and representing Moana Pasifika.”
After playing in front of a large crowd during last season’s final home match, a 64-12 win over Moana Pasifika, Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw is excited to have Laumape and Moana Pasifika back in Wellington for his side’s first match of the year.
“We look forward to welcoming Moana, who had an amazing season last year and went super close to making the playoffs,” Laidlaw said.
“They helped generate the biggest crowd and support out of all our home games last year. It was a great atmosphere and one of the games where we played some of our best rugby of the year.
“I’m sure Moana will be strong again and look to get their campaign off to a fast start. With Ngani returning, and it being the first time he’s played in New Zealand for a few years, I’m sure the crowd and the two teams will be excited to get into it again.
“Certainly for us, with it being our first game and being at home, it’s something we’ll really focus on through the pre-season.”
Moana Pasifika head coach and Hurricanes centurion Tana Umaga added: “The connection with Wellington and the Hurricanes runs deep in this team. It’s awesome to have that connection but also the memorable and competitive games we’ve had against the Hurricanes over the past few years.”
The full 2026 Super Rugby Pacific draw will be announced in due course.
Catch your Hurricanes in action next season when memberships go on sale from 1 September!
