Rugby: Hurricanes re-sign new All Blacks star Ngani Laumape

Hurricanes midfielder Ngani Laumape earned an All Blacks call-up. Photo / photosport.nz

The Hurricanes have moved swiftly to future-proof their championship-winning team by retaining four leading players.

They include new All Blacks Ngani Laumape, signed for two more seasons, and Vaea Fifita, who has committed through to 2020.

Laumape and Fifita join midfielder Matt Proctor and lock Geoff Cridge in inking new deals.

Laumape made his test debut during the second Lions test and went on to impress in the decider in his maiden start the following week at Eden Park, setting up a try for Hurricanes teammate Jordie Barrett with an audacious offload.

"Coming back to rugby union from league in 2016 was a massive challenge, but the Hurricanes coaches have made the transition a lot easier and I've loved every minute," Laumape said.

"The Hurricanes environment has really helped me develop my game and I can't wait to continue that progress over the next two seasons."

Fifita, who made his All Blacks debut off the bench against Samoa last month, echoed Laumape's sentiments.

"I've learned so much since joining the Hurricanes in 2015 and I feel very lucky to have been part of the club over the past three years," he said.

"Representing the All Blacks was a dream come true and I'm thankful to the Hurricanes coaching staff for helping me realise my potential. I know I still have a long way to go and the Hurricanes is the right place for me to continue my career."

Proctor, who has played 43 matches for the Hurricanes since his debut in 2013, has recommitted to the Hurricanes and Wellington for another two years.

The 25-year-old said he couldn't imagine himself playing for another New Zealand Super Rugby club.

"The last five years have been an awesome experience and I have taken a lot of pride in representing the Hurricanes. I believe we've built something special during the time I've been here and I'm really looking forward to the next two years."

Cridge, a 22-year-old, two-metre tall lock out of Hawke's Bay, said he was grateful for the faith in him after an injury-interrupted 2017 has seen him unable to add to his single Super Rugby appearance.

"It's been tough not being able to contribute on the field, but I I've learnt a lot from being in the Hurricanes environment and I can't wait to make an impact in 2018."

Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said he was looking forward to watching all four players continue to develop in coming seasons.

"We are very lucky to have some great talent at the club right now in a lot of different positions and to be able to lock in players of the calibre of Ngani, Vaea, Matt and Geoff for next year and beyond is great.

"All of these guys are in their early to mid-20s and that allows us to move forward with some real confidence as we look to build on the club's recent success."