Tyrel Lomax sets sights on British & Irish Lions Tour with new contract
Tyrel Lomax has become the sixth All Black to sign an extension that will keep him in New Zealand until 2029, when the British & Irish Lions are set to visit.
The 30-year-old will continue with the Hurricanes and Tasman for the duration of the new deal, having previously played for the Rebels and Highlanders before shifting to the Kiwi capital in 2020. His Hurricanes debut came two years after his All Blacks debut, while Lomax was yet to earn a second Test cap.
That changed once he was in yellow and black, and health permitting, Lomax is on track to become a half-centurion for New Zealand this July.
“I’m really excited to extend my time with the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Tasman Rugby through to the end of 2029,” Lomax said.
“My family and I love being based here, and I still have a lot to contribute and achieve. Rugby has played a huge part in my life, and the opportunity to continue representing these teams means a lot to me.
“The next few years are incredibly exciting too. We’ve got a Rugby World Cup coming up and a British & Irish Lions tour in 2029. Those are opportunities every rugby player wants to be part of, and having the chance to keep building towards those campaigns and wear the black jersey was a huge factor in my decision.
“I’m grateful for the support I’ve received throughout my career and can’t wait to continue chasing success with this group over the next few years.”
Calf, thumb, and, most recently, ankle injuries have disrupted Lomax’s past 12 months, resulting in just two brief appearances in Super Rugby Pacific this season, after he appeared in just four of the All Blacks’ 13 games in 2025.
The 48-Test prop is now back on deck for the Hurricanes at the pointy end of what has been a powerfully impressive Hurricanes season, and is well-placed to contribute for the All Blacks in the inaugural Nations Championship.
“Tyrel is a top man, and I’m really rapt he has committed long-term,” said All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie.
“Having coached against him, what stands out is how athletic and physically imposing he is on both sides of the ball. It was great to see him back from injury last week. We believe his best footy is still ahead of him.”
An eight-time Maori All Black with 116 Super Rugby appearances, Lomax is a key cog in the Hurricanes machine both on and off the field.
“It’s great news for us, Lowey, and New Zealand Rugby that he’s decided to stay in the country. It goes without saying that we’re hugely grateful and excited to see him continue his career with the Hurricanes.
“He’s a world-class tighthead, and we expect him to be an integral leader in this team. He’s had a tricky year?with injuries, but we’re pleased to have welcomed him back over the weekend, and we’re thrilled that him and Ainsley and the girls are staying in New Zealand.”
While the 194 cm, 129 kg prop hasn’t donned Tasman colours since 2020, Mako Head Coach Jono Phillips was thrilled to keep him involved in the Tasman family.
“It is great for New Zealand Rugby and for Tasman to have someone with the experience and world-class standing that Tyrel brings. When he is in our environment, he epitomises the professionalism we try to instil across all levels of our game, so his re-signing is fantastic news.”
Lomax joins Tamaiti Williams, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard, Emoni Narawa and Josh Lord as All Blacks contracted through to the end of 2029.
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