Laumape Joins AUNZ XV for Lions Clash

After months of speculation and anticipation, the AUNZ Invitational XV is beginning to take shape, with former All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape unveiled as the fifth New Zealander named in the squad for the much-anticipated clash against the British & Irish Lions on July 12 at Adelaide Oval.

Laumape joins fellow All Blacks Shannon Frizell, Shaun Stevenson, David Havili, and Folau Fakatava, who were confirmed earlier this week. Rising Blues prop Joshua Fusitu’a was also announced alongside Laumape on Tuesday afternoon, as Rugby Australia continues to drip-feed the full squad lineup.

The fixture marks the first time since 1989 that a combined Australia-New Zealand side will take the field. That match, played 36 years ago, saw the Lions edge out the Anzac XV 19-15, in a game where only three Kiwis featured following high-profile withdrawals. This time, with six New Zealanders already confirmed and more names expected soon, the integrity and strength of the side look significantly bolstered.

Laumape, 32, returns to the spotlight after several seasons in Japan and was recently signed by Moana Pasifika. A destructive ball-carrier and 15-Test veteran for the All Blacks, he brings firepower and experience to the midfield. He previously starred for the Hurricanes, where he notched eight international tries and became a fan favourite for his hard-running style.

Fusitu’a, 24, is a promising front-rower who shone for the Blues in 2025, particularly in the absence of Ofa Tuʻungafasi. While relatively unknown to Australian fans, he’s been a standout in Super Rugby and adds depth to the forward pack.

The AUNZ Invitational XV will be coached by Les Kiss, who will be joined by former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster. The side will assemble in Adelaide this weekend ahead of the one-off clash, which serves as the final warm-up for the Lions before their three-Test series against the Wallabies begins on July 19.

“There is plenty of excitement about this fixture, and that’s been demonstrated by the number of quality international players eager to be involved,” said Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance Peter Horne.

“We are delighted with the quality of the New Zealand contingent announced today and look forward to naming more players as the squad comes together. We want this team to entertain the big Adelaide crowd and provide the Lions with a tough contest.”

The full AUNZ squad is expected to be finalised in the coming days.