All Blacks beckon for Ngani Laumape
Ngani Laumape is set to be the 14th player out of Palmerston North Boys’ High School to play for the All Blacks, after being named in the squad last week.
The 24-year-old will also be the 40th from Manawatu if he gets on the field against the British and Irish Lions. Laumape was a star for Boys’ High 1st XV in his final year in 2011, when he combined with Jason Emery in the midfield.
The midfielder was one of three Manawatu players named in the All Blacks’ plans for a full conference and learning centre that will teach cooking and healthy eating classes to young people, and lessons about how to avoid diabetes and obesity.
Turbos captain Heiden Bedwell-curtis and prop Michael Alaalatoa were the first Manawatu players to get cracks at the British and Irish Lions in their 2017 tour.
Bedwell-curtis started at blindside flanker in the Crusaders’ 12-3 loss, while Alaalatoa came off the bench in the 51st minute. Bedwell-curtis had been named in the Provincial Barbarians side, but was pulled due to his Super Rugby commitments.
Halfback Kayne Hammington and lock Jackson Hemopo are next in line for a shot at the Lions, after being named to start for the Highlanders for Tuesday’s match.
Former Palmerston North Boys’ High School lock Dean Budd made his debut for Italy in their 34-13 loss to Scotland in Singapore on Sunday.
The 30-year-old has been playing rugby for Treviso in Italy and qualified to play for them through residency. He started the match at lock, but was yellow carded in the 47th minute, the victim of his team’s warning for repeat infringing.