Laumape joins a star studded list of foreign players who have signed for Kobe Steelers

Powerhouse centre Ngani Laumape will continue his career in Japan after signing a three-year deal with the Kobe Steelers.

The 15-test cap All Black centre left New Zealand in 2021 to join Stade Francais but his time at the club was cut short when he was released from his contract due to family reasons.

There was speculation that he could land a deal with the Hurricanes but has decided to take his talents to Japan where he will reportedly earn $1 million a season.

Laumape, said he was excited to get into his work in Japan following a quiet period back home in the Manawatū.

“I myself am a fan of Japanese rugby, which continues to grow, and believe that my style fits well with Japanese rugby and the Kobe Steelers.

“The challenge will continue until the end of the season. I will do my part to bring good results to Kobe Steelers and Steelers fans,” Laumape said.

Laumape isn't the first big name to sign for the Steelers. 

Here are some of the other stars who have graced the jersey.

Ben Smith

The 2015 Rugby World Cup winner joined Kobe after a stint in France with Pau after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

He spent just one season in Japan before returning to New Zealand. Last year he returned to the Club on a short-term deal.

Dan Carter

Dan Carter joined Kobe from Racing 92 in 2018 and had an immediate impact on the side guiding them to their first Top League title in 15 years.

He was named the 2018/19 MVP and left the club a year later when the season was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Andy Ellis

The 2011 World Cup winner joined Kobe in 2014 and enjoyed a seven-year stint at the Club.

He too left after the 2020 season was cancelled and joined Rugby New York in the MLR.

Brodie Retallick

Retallick joined Kobe after the 2019 Rugby World Cup and spent two years in Japan before returning to New Zealand last year.

He made 15 appearances for the club.

Adam Ashley-Cooper

Ashley-Cooper arrived at Kobe after a three-year stint in France with Bordeaux. 

The versatile back spent two seasons at the side before returning to Australia in order to feature at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Andries Bekker

The 29-test cap Springbok lock packed his bags for Kobe in 2013.

He would go on to retire at the club in 2018 and has since taken up a coaching role with the forwards.

Jacque Fourie

The Springbok great joined Kobe from the Panasonic Wild Knights in 2012. 

He would go on to make over 50 appearances for the Club before heading to Australia to join the Western Force.

He has since moved into coaching and has returned to South Africa to coach the Lions' defence.

Lukhanyo Am

Lukhanyo Am joined the Steelers on a short-term deal during last season's Rugby League One campaign.

He turned out six times for the club scoring three tries and assisted two before returning to the Sharks.

During his time at the Club, he also turned out in the centres with Ben Smith.

Aaron Cruden

Cruden joined the Steelers last season after a brief stint back at the Chiefs.

The World Cup-winning All Black shares the playmaking duties with former Otago and Highlanders' pivot Hayden Parker.

The likes of Thinus Delport, Peter Grant, Pierre Hola and Ron Cribb also represented the side in the past while Wayne Smith has had a long association with Kobe as director of rugby.

Former Sunwolves captain Michael Little and ex-Highlanders back Richard Buckman are still on the club's books as is former Stormers' lock JD Schickerling.