David Havili playing for the All Blacks. Photo: Photosport / Christiaan Kotze
All Blacks back David Havili and prop Tyrel Lomax have re-signed with New Zealand to the end of 2025.
Havili has played 25 tests for the All Blacks, won six consecutive Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders and claimed a pair of NPC titles as captain of the Tasman Mako.
He'll remain with the Mako and Crusaders.
"I'm very happy and grateful to be re-signing with New Zealand Rugby and I'm looking forward to the future," Havili said.
"From when I was a young kid, I've always wanted to play professional rugby. So to have the opportunity to play for my three favourite teams - Tasman, the Crusaders and the All Blacks - for a few more years is special and something that I didn't want to give up just yet."
The 28-year-old utility featured in 22 of a possible 28 tests over the last two seasons.
"David is a special player who is held in high regard by everyone in our game," said NZR CEO Mark Robinson. "We are proud to have him on board for an extended period and wish him even more success in the coming years."
Havili has been a key contributor to the Crusaders' impressive six-year run, playing in all but one of their recent Super Rugby finals. The vice-captain became the 22nd Crusader to reach 100 games for the club in Super Rugby Pacific last year and has proven himself at multiple positions in the backline.
"To coach someone that has multiple skills, that can play in so many different positions at a world-class level, is so unique," said Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.
"He has a skill factor, but a toughness factor too. He's tough as a trainer, tough as a player and tough on himself. He's got true grit in him.
"For him to sign on until 2025 and be so loyal just shows what it means to him to play rugby here in New Zealand. It shows how much we value him and how much he values us.
"He is still young enough to get better, and he wants to compete. So, while he's at his peak and getting better now, it's great to have him still here."
A product of the Nelson College 1st XV, Havili debuted for the Tasman Mako in 2014 before captaining the side to back-to-back NPC titles in 2019 and 2020.
Lomax, 26, will continue to be aligned with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific and the Tasman Mako in NPC.
Tyrel Lomax playing for the Hurricanes. Photo: Marty Melville
"My family and I are very happy to have re-signed with Tasman, the Hurricanes and NZR - three outfits I feel very privileged to represent," Lomax said.
The 23-Test tighthead prop was one of the All Blacks' top performers in 2022 and has proudly represented the Māori All Blacks on eight occasions.
"Tyrel represents himself, his family and this country with pride," said NZR CEO Mark Robinson. "We are proud of his growth and can't wait to see what this next period brings for his career."
Born in Canberra where his Kiwi father John became a rugby league great, Lomax spent time on both sides of the Tasman during his childhood. He launched his Super Rugby career in Melbourne but moved to New Zealand in 2017 to sign with Tasman and the Highlanders, before making his All Blacks debut the following year.
He would not add to that sole international appearance until 2020, when he joined the Hurricanes.
"We were delighted to sign Tyrel in 2020 and he has been a key member of our club since then," said Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee. "He is a really humble man that is going from strength to strength on the field, and it's great to see him cement a place in the All Blacks too."
Of Tūhoe and Muaūpoko, Lomax's move to Wellington was fitting given he grew up in Wainuiomata where his dad played and coached.
"Tyrel has been an integral part of our pack and our scrum over the last couple of years," said Hurricanes Head Coach Jason Holland. "Over the last 12 months he has also been outstanding for the All Blacks. So it's massive for the Hurricanes to have him as the cornerstone of our pack."
Lomax has represented Tasman since 2017, playing a key role in their maiden NPC title win in 2019. While playing for the Mako last year, he was recalled to the All Blacks as injury cover during The Rugby Championship, quickly cementing himself as the first-choice tighthead.
