Tyrone Thompson: Code-swapping former Hawke’s Bay Magpie returning to rugby

Tyrone Thompson is returning to Super Rugby Pacific after a season in rugby league with the Newcastle Knights. Photo / Photosport

Former Hawke’s Bay Magpies star Tyrone Thompson is reversing his code-swapping and returning to Super Rugby Pacific after a season in rugby league.

The arrangement has been revealed in a social media post by Hamilton-based Super Rugby franchise the Chiefs.

Thompson, 25, was a hooker in the Magpies front row and close to All Blacks selection in 2024 when he decided to cross the Tasman this year to play with twin brother Leo for the Newcastle Knights in rugby league’s NRL.

But early this year, Leo Thompson signed a four-year contract with Sydney NRL club Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

In rugby union, Tyrone Thompson played in 29 matches for Hawke’s Bay, 22 for the Chiefs and, earlier, 18 in NPC rugby for the Wellington Lions.

He made several appearances in the NRL this year, but played most of the season in the secondary-level NSW Cup.

Originally from Gisborne, the twins were 5 when the family moved to Hawke’s Bay, where they later played union in the Napier Boys’ High School 1st XV.

Super Rugby Pacific 2026 starts on February 13, but squads have not yet been announced.

It is understood that no arrangements have yet been made for Thompson to return to NPC rugby next year, for the Magpies or any other union.