The Hurricanes have agreed to phrases on a brand new contract with Ngatungane Punivai, who has emerged as a dependable beginning possibility on the appropriate wing for the workforce this season.
The bodily Decrease Hutt product’s breakout season has helped the membership transfer on from the damaging duo of Salesi Rayasi and Josh Moorby, who each moved on to the Top 14 in France after starring for the Wellington outfit in recent times.
Punivai, 26, got here by way of the Crusaders system with Christ’s Faculty, the place he was recognised as a pacesetter and rewarded with the workforce’s captaincy.
Returning to characterize his roots in 2024, Punivai debuted for the Hurricanes towards the Melbourne Rebels, and has since established his versatility in each the midfield in addition to on the wing.
“It’s a proud second for me and my household to be staying with the Hurricanes for a pair extra seasons. We love this membership and really feel proper at residence right here. I’m wanting ahead to persevering with my development on and off the sector and I’m additionally tremendous excited to see what we are able to obtain over the subsequent few years,” Punivai stated
The Hurricanes have endured a rocky begin to their 2025 marketing campaign, however after quite a few injury-plagued seasons, Punivai has confirmed a reliable possibility for the membership and has claimed three tries for his efforts.
“Tremendous excited to have Ngane lengthen, he’s enjoying the perfect rugby of his profession this season and he’s carried out an enormous quantity of labor on getting his physique proper and trusting his physique to play on the stage he’s enjoying at. He had a troublesome couple years with damage and getting the consistency, however he has discovered that candy spot,” Head Coach Clark Laidlaw added.
“Initially from right here, it’s nice that him and his household have been in a position to calm down in Wellington and it’s nice to have him keep and play for his hometown. We’re hopeful he’ll proceed his good kind and we’re wanting ahead to seeing what he can do within the subsequent couple of seasons.”
