Rugby: Top 14 clubs Stade Francais looking to lure All Blacks and Hurricanes midfielder Ngani Laumape on the high seas: report

Ngani Laumape has been linked to an offshore move, and French club Stade Francais is believed to be looking to sign the All Blacks and Hurricanes midfielder.

According to a report by the French newspaper Midi Olympique, the Stade Francais are considering Laumape as one of several options to replace outgoing center Gael Fickou for the Top14 2021-22 season.

Midi Olympique reports that the club has contacted Laumape representatives and it is believed that Laumape would be willing to move.

“The New Zealand center, who plays for the Hurricanes, would not oppose an experiment in France,” the report said.

“On the contrary, anyone who has played 15 games with the All Blacks knows that he is not one of the best in his country. Remember, for the World Cup in Japan in 2019, coach Steve Hansen had chosen him. [in build-up tests] but he finally decided to resign from his services just when the official selection was announced. Hansen preferred Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue and Anton Lienert-Brown to him.

“Since then, the Hurricanes player has returned to the national team with new coach Ian Foster. He played two Rugby Championship games in October and November, but could well choose to join the Stade Francais next season.”

Another option the French club is considering is Argentine center Santiago Chocobares, who was ready to join the Blues for this year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, however there were difficulties in bringing the young center to Auckland and it ultimately couldn’t happen. .

Laumape has been an impressive exponent of the Hurricanes since moving to the 15-man code in 2016 after a season with the Warriors in the NRL, and has become known as one of the most damaging ball runners in Super Rugby.

Still only 27 years old, many would expect Laumape to play some role with the All Blacks during the next cycle of the World Cup.

However, the stagnation of midfield options in New Zealand has limited his opportunities internationally and the Stade Francais hopes to attract him.