Hooker Asafo Aumua has reaffirmed his commitment to the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby by signing a contract extension until the end of 2027.
Since making his debut for the Hurricanes in 2018 against the Crusaders, Aumua has become an integral player for the franchise, accumulating 68 caps to date. His rise to prominence began with a standout 2017 season for the Wellington Lions, which showcased his potential and earned him a place in Super Rugby.
The 27-year-old has also made his mark on the international stage, representing New Zealand at multiple levels, including the Secondary Schools team, the Under-20s, and the All Blacks.
Expressing his enthusiasm about extending his contract, Aumua said, “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.”
Head Coach Clark Laidlaw also hailed Aumua’s decision as a major boost for the team, stating, “This is big news for the Hurricanes! I’m so excited to have Asafo sign on for a few more years.”
Aumua’s importance to the team extends beyond his playing abilities, as he continues to grow into a leadership role. Laidlaw acknowledged his impact, saying, “We saw last year, when he got that consistency of game time and preparation, just how good of a player he is.”
He further praised Aumua’s development, adding, “He’s a dynamic ball carrier and attacker, destructive defender but for us, he’s also maturing into a good leader.”
Highlighting Aumua’s evolving influence within the team, Laidlaw emphasized, “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.”
Concluding his remarks, Laidlaw expressed his excitement for the future, stating, “It’s great to have him re-sign with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby.”