Ngani Laumape explains move to Stade Francais

All Black centre Ngani Laumape has opened up about his move to France, saying that a pay-cut in his New Zealand contract was what prompted him to seek other opportunities. 

Laumape recently signed with French Top 14 club Stade Francais in a move which raised many eyebrows as it was widely accepted that the 28 year-old still had the bulk of a promising All Black ahead of him. 

It is understood that his new deal in France is worth around 1 million New Zealand dollars per annum. 

Speaking to stuff.co.nz, Laumape said: “It [the decision] wasn’t hard when I was offered a contract [by NZ Rugby] that was asking me to take less income. Once that came into perspective I had to make the best decision for me and my family and my kids.” 

This weekend, the centre will play his last game in the yellow Hurricanes jersey for the foreseeable future when they take on the Reds in Wellington. 

Laumape is sure to receive a passionate send-off by fans who have grown to love him for his fiery displays which have yielded a total of 47 tries in his 83 Super Rugby matches. Despite his achievements, Laumape indicated that he wasn’t altogether surprised by the deal he was offered by NZ Rugby. 

“Yeah, pretty disappointing. I think I offer something in the midfield that no other midfielder can offer in New Zealand. At the end of the day it’s a business, they did what they had to do and I have to do what’s best for me and my family and my kids. There’s no hard feelings, I understand it is what it is.” 

Quizzed on whether he could be ripping it up on New Zealand soil again before he calls time on his career, Laumape said: 

“There has to be mutual ground to meet in the middle. I’m not going to think about coming back, I’m going there and all I’m thinking is to finish my career overseas and enjoy what it has to offer for me and my family and my kids. 

“I just want to be happy again playing footy. The last couple of years I’ve always loved being in the Hurricanes environment and I’ve always thrived here. 

“It’s about going there and having fun, I don’t have to worry about outside noise, just playing good for the club and hopefully my kids can cherish the moment.”