Laumape sticks with Hurricanes

Blockbusting All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape is one of four Hurricanes to recommit to the defending Super Rugby champions for at least one more year.

Laumape, who made his All Blacks debut in the second test against the British and Irish Lions this month, has signed a two-year deal with the franchise.

Forward Vaea Fifita, also a freshly minted All Black, midfielder Matt Proctor and lock Geoff Cridge have also inked new deals with the Hurricanes.

But it’s Laumape’s signature which will be the most talked about, particularly on the back of his outstanding performance against the Lions in the third test at Eden Park last weekend.

The 24-year-old former Warrior scored the first of the All Blacks’ two tries in the 15-15 draw, before dishing a lovely offload to spark the second.

‘‘Coming back to rugby union from rugby league in 2016 was a massive challenge, but the Hurricanes coaches have made the transition a lot easier and I’ve loved every minute,’’ Laumape said. ‘‘The Hurricanes environment has really helped me develop my game and I can’t wait to continue that progress over the next two seasons.’’

His most immediate challenge is on Saturday night, when the Hurricanes host the undefeated Crusaders in their final regular season game.

Laumape won’t be matched up with fellow All Black Ryan Crotty, who will miss the game with a hamstring injury, but he will no doubt cross paths with fringe All Black Jack Goodhue.

Fifita, who made his All Blacks debut off the bench against Samoa last month, has signed with the team through until the end of 2020.

‘‘I’ve learned so much since joining the Hurricanes in 2015 and I feel very lucky to have been part of the club over the past three years,’’ he said. ‘‘Representing the All Blacks was a dream come true and I’m thankful to the Hurricanes coaching staff for helping me realise my potential. I know I still have a long way to go and the Hurricanes is the right place for me to continue my career.’’

Like Laumape, Proctor, who has played 43 matches for the Hurricanes since his debut in 2013, will remain with the Hurricanes for at least two more years.

The 25-year-old said he couldn’t imagine himself playing for another New Zealand Super Rugby franchise.

‘‘The last five years have been an awesome experience and I have taken a lot of pride in representing the Hurricanes. I believe we’ve built something special during the time I’ve been here and I’m really looking forward to the next two years.’’