Blog

Sep 04, 2023

New Zealand: David Havili and Tyrel Lomax ink contract extensions : PlanetRugby

The All Blacks have received a boost after New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed

The All Blacks have received a boost after New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed that centre David Havili and tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax have both put pen to paper on contract extensions with the governing body.

Havili's new contract is until the end of 2025, and the Nelson-born back, who can also play full-back, is delighted to stay on in New Zealand.

He wants to build on the success he has had in the Test arena at Super Rugby Pacific level with the Crusaders and in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship (NPC) with Tasman Mako.

"I’m very happy and grateful to be re-signing with New Zealand Rugby, and I’m looking forward to the future," said Havili.

"From when I was a young kid, I’ve always wanted to play professional rugby. So to have the opportunity to play for my three favourite teams – Tasman, the Crusaders and the All Blacks – for a few more years is special and something that I didn't want to give up just yet."

The 28-year-old has made 25 Test appearances for the All Blacks and has established himself in the three-time world champions’ matchday squads, as he has featured in 22 of a possible 28 Tests over the last two seasons.

"David is a special player who is held in high regard by everyone in our game," said NZR chief executive Mark Robinson. "We are proud to have him on board for an extended period and wish him even more success in the coming years."

Havili has been a stalwart during the Crusaders’ superb six-year run, as he played in all but one of their recent Super Rugby finals.

"To coach someone that has multiple skills, that can play in so many different positions at a world-class level, is so unique," said Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson.

"He has a skill factor, but a toughness factor too. He's tough as a trainer, tough as a player and tough on himself. He's got true grit in him.

"For him to sign on until 2025 and be so loyal just shows what it means to him to play rugby here in New Zealand. It shows how much we value him and how much he values us.

"He is still young enough to get better, and he wants to compete. So, while he's at his peak and getting better now, it's great to have him still here."

Meanwhile, Lomax‘s new deal is until the end of 2026 and will see him stay on with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific and the Tasman Mako in the NPC.

"My family and I are very happy to have re-signed with Tasman, the Hurricanes and NZR – three outfits I feel very privileged to represent," he said.

The 27-year-old was amongst the All Blacks’ best performers last year and has also represented the Māori All Blacks on eight occasions.

"Tyrel represents himself, his family and this country with pride," said Robinson. "We are proud of his growth and can't wait to see what this next period brings for his career."

The 23-Test All Black is the son of former New Zealand (Kiwis) rugby league prop John Lomax and was born in Canberra where his father established himself as a great in the 13-man code.

The younger Lomax represented Australia at U20 level and started his Super Rugby career with the Melbourne Rebels in 2017 but moved to the Highlanders the following year before joining the Hurricanes in 2020.

"We were delighted to sign Tyrel in 2020 and he has been a key member of our club since then," said Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee. "He is a really humble man that is going from strength to strength on the field, and it's great to see him cement a place in the All Blacks too."

Lomax's move to Wellington was fitting given he grew up in Wainuiomata, where his dad played and coached, and Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland is delighted to retain the front-row's services.

"Tyrel has been an integral part of our pack and our scrum over the last couple of years," said Holland. "Over the last 12 months, he has also been outstanding for the All Blacks. So it's massive for the Hurricanes to have him as the cornerstone of our pack."

READ MORE: Super Rugby Pacific: The seven stats leaders after three rounds, including top try scorer, most defenders beaten and the king of the line-out