‘Best footy still ahead of him’: All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax re-signs with NZ Rugby through to 2029
Thursday, 4 June 2026
All Blacks tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, the Hurricanes and Tasman through to the end of 2029.
The 30-year old’s contract extension will take Lomax through to next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia and the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2029.
“I’m really excited to extend my time with the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Tasman Rugby through to the end of 2029,’’ Lomax said.
“My family and I love being based here and I still have a lot to contribute and achieve. Rugby has played a huge part in my life and the opportunity to continue representing these teams means a lot to me.
“The next few years are incredibly exciting too. We’ve got a Rugby World Cup coming up and a British & Irish Lions tour in 2029. Those are opportunities [what] every rugby player wants to be part of and having the chance to keep building towards those campaigns and wear the black jersey was a huge factor in my decision.
“I’m grateful for the support I’ve received throughout my career and can’t wait to continue chasing success with this group over the next few years,” Lomax said.
Since his All Blacks debut against Japan in 2018, Lomax has established himself as one of the world’s premier tighthead props during his 48 Tests.
In 2024 he started 12 of the All Blacks 14 tests and was named Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year before injuries curtailed his 2025 season.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said Lomax’s three-year extension was significant.
“Tyrel is a top man and I'm really rapt he has committed long-term. Having coached against him, what stands out is how athletic and physically imposing he is on both sides of the ball. It was great to see him back from injury last week.
“We believe his best footy is still ahead of him.”
The Canberra-born Lomax (Muaūpoko, Ngāi Tūhoe) left the Melbourne Rebels and moved home to Tasman in 2017.
He has played eight matches for the Māori All Blacks (2017-2022), has notched up 116 Super Rugby matches including 31 for the Highlanders (2018-2019) and 73 for the Hurricanes who he has loyally served since 2020.
Hurricanes Head Coach Clark Laidlaw said Lomax’s decision was significant for the club.
“It’s great news for us, Lowey, and New Zealand Rugby that he’s decided to stay in the country. It goes without saying that we’re hugely grateful and excited to see him continue his career with the Hurricanes.
'He’s a world-class tighthead and we expect him to be an integral leader in this team. He’s had a tricky year with injuries, but we’re pleased to have welcomed him back over the weekend, and we're thrilled that him and Ainsley and the girls are staying in New Zealand.”
Lomax has been named on the bench for the Hurricanes’ qualifying final against the Brumbies in Wellington on Friday night.