Tana
Umaga

Tana Umaga is a giant of New Zealand rugby. Learn about his life and career with RugbyPass, your resident rugby gurus.

Tana Umaga Bio

Tana Umaga is a giant of New Zealand rugby and a former captain of the All Blacks. Since his illustrious playing career came to an end, he’s been involved in coaching. Tana Umaga was inducted into the RugbyPass Hall of Fame in 2021.

Born 27 May 1973, Tana Umaga grew up playing rugby league and even played rugby league for the Junior Kiwis in 1991. However, in 1994, he was persuaded to switch codes to rugby union. In doing so, he joined the Wellington Lions (1994-2007) and Petone (1994-2005).

Immediately after joining Wellington, Tana Umaga became an ever-present in the starting line-up alongside his brother. After scoring more tries than any other player in the team for three successive seasons, he was called up to the first Hurricanes squad in 1996. Only a year later, he made his debut for New Zealand.

After a slightly controversial move to centre from the wing, Tana Umaga was named as the All Blacks captain in 2004. When he led his side onto the field for the first time, he became first New Zealander of Pacific Island heritage to captain the All Blacks in a test match. After making 74 appearances for the side, he retired from international duty in January 2006.

Following his international retirement, Tana Umaga also enjoyed a brief stint with Toulon before he returned to New Zealand and the Hurricanes. After finishing his Super Rugby career with the side in 2007, he briefly appeared for the Chiefs in 2011 before announcing his retirement from all forms of rugby.

After his retirement, Tana Umaga took up coaching. Since, he’s held a number of prominent positions with Toulon, Counties Manukau and the Blues.