The Hurricanes have announced the departure of midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen. The one-time All Black has signed to play in Japan moving forward.
Umaga-Jensen was in damaging form for his hometown team after stepping back into the starting 12 jersey for the Hurricanes late in the season, delivering two game-changing performances against both his uncle, Tana Umaga’s Moana Pasifika, and the Brumbies.
Although the latter of those efforts wasn’t enough to get his side through to the semi-finals, the bruising 27-year-old’s name did start to pop up in pundits’ All Blacks selection debates.
However, it was just last week that Umaga-Jensen told RugbyPass that he was set on representing his Samoan heritage, while seeing a recall into Scott Robertson’s squad as unlikely.
“Honestly, I don’t see myself getting there again. There’s a lot of competition. I promised my Mum I would play for Samoa when she was here, and I want to pursue that path in honour of my grandparents and my family,” Umaga-Jensen explained.
The 54-time Hurricane doesn’t have to look far to find competition in the midfield, with his Super Rugby club boasting names like All Blacks ace Jordie Barrett and rising All Blacks XV star Riley Higgins.
With an impressive career in Wellington coming to an end, Umaga-Jensen had a heartfelt message for his team.
“I started here as a young fella chasing a dream, and it’s been an incredible ride ever since,” Umaga-Jensen explained.
“I’ve made memories that will stay with me forever and built lifelong friendships that I’ll always treasure.
“One day, I hope I’ll be sitting down with all the boys, sharing a beer and a laugh as we look back on everything we experienced together.
“Thank you to the Hurricanes for giving a Wainui kid the chance to live out his dream. Until next time.”
Hurricanes Coach Clark Laidlaw spoke about what an asset Umaga-Jensen has been to the club since his 2018 debut.
“He played 54 games for the Hurricanes, which is a great achievement. Local boy, local family – representing his club Wainuiomata, with great distinction.
“This year, he really stepped up and played some of his best rugby in a Hurricanes jersey.
“Everyone at the club wishes him all the best, and we look forward to keeping in touch and welcoming him back to the club whenever he’s back in Wellington.
“It’s a great opportunity for his family to experience a new lifestyle and a different rugby journey. We are going to miss him. He’s made a huge contribution to the team.”
