New Zealand Rugby lock in Asafo Aumua with new contract

The Hurricanes and the All Blacks will have the services of explosive hooker Asafo Aumau right through until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, thanks to a new deal announced on Wednesday.

One of the most highly-touted hookers coming through the Kiwi ranks in the past decade, Aumua was recognised as a future All Black early and was included in the national squad as an apprentice in 2017, playing against France XV and the Barbarians.

It hasn’t been the smoothest of paths since then, but Aumua re-established himself as one of the world’s most dangerous front-rowers in 2024 after the retirement of Dane Coles and injury to Samisoni Taukei’aho allowed him to win more minutes for both club and country.

“It’s pretty special playing with my brothers and playing for my city so I’m excited to extend my time here with the Hurricanes,” Aumua said of the new contract.

A key part of the All Blacks’ 2024 campaign, Aumua proved to have ironed out some significant creases in his game, specifically lineout throwing, and put in a mammoth 79-minute effort to help beat Ireland in Dublin during the Autumn Nations Series.

“This is big news for the Hurricanes! So excited to have Asafo sign on for a few more years. We saw last year, when he got that consistency of game time and preparation, just how good of a rugby player he is,” Head Coach Clark Laidlaw added.

“He’s a dynamic ball carrier and attacker, destructive defender but for us, he’s also maturing into a good leader. This year he is one of our captains and he has the ability now to influence others and the environment through his maturity and consistency. It’s great to have him re-sign with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby.”