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.”