Ngani Laumape: Rugby Top Star Switches International Allegiance Ahead of November Tests
- Ngani Laumape, who earned 15 caps for New Zealand between 2017 and 2020, has been selected in Tonga's squad for the November internationals
- The 33-year-old centre has been eligible to represent Tonga since 2023 under World Rugby's eligibility switching rules
- Tonga's November campaign begins against Romania on 6 November, giving Laumape a potential debut ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup
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Former All Blacks centre Ngani Laumape is on the verge of a Test rugby comeback after being included in Tonga's squad for the upcoming November internationals.
The 33-year-old's selection in the World Rugby Nations Cup squad puts him in line to represent a second nation at international level, six years after his final appearance for New Zealand in 2020.
Laumape's Road to a Tonga Debut
Laumape built his reputation as one of Super Rugby's most destructive midfielders during his time with the Hurricanes, earning his first All Blacks cap against the British and Irish Lions in 2017. He went on to represent New Zealand 15 times before his international career stalled.
World Rugby's eligibility regulations allow players to switch national allegiances once, provided they observe a three-year stand-down period and hold the necessary family or birth connection to the new country. Laumape satisfied those requirements in 2023, opening the door to a Tonga jersey.
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He signalled his intentions publicly during the Lions tour of Australia in 2025. "I've still got one more goal that I want to achieve and that's playing for Tonga," he said at the time.
Experienced Additions Bolster Tonga's Ranks
Laumape is not the only high-profile recruit in Tonga's squad. Former All Blacks midfielder Malakai Fekitoa and ex-Wallabies lock Adam Coleman have also been included, giving the side considerable Test experience across the forward and back divisions.
Tonga open their November programme against Romania on 6 November, followed by fixtures against Georgia on 14 November and Hong Kong China on 21 November. The three-match window gives Laumape a realistic opportunity to make his debut and establish himself in the squad ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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Source: Briefly News
