Former All Blacks centre Ngani Laumape is set for a return to international rugby after being named in Tonga's squad for the November internationals.

The 33-year-old has been included in the squad for the World Rugby Nations Cup, putting him in line to make his debut for a second country.

Laumape won 15 caps for New Zealand between 2017 and 2020 but has not played Test rugby for six years.

He now has the chance to revive his international career with Tonga ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The powerful centre is one of several experienced players included in the squad, alongside former All Black Malakai Fekitoa and ex-Wallabies lock Adam Coleman.

Ngani Laumape set for Tonga debut

Laumape first made his name with the Hurricanes, where his explosive running made him one of Super Rugby's most feared centres.

He made his All Blacks debut against the British & Irish Lions in 2017 and went on to earn 15 caps.

However, his last appearance for New Zealand came in 2020.

Under World Rugby's eligibility rules, players can switch nations once after completing a three-year stand-down period, provided they have the required family or birth connection.

Laumape has been eligible to represent Tonga since 2023.

Speaking during the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2025, he made it clear that playing for Tonga remained a major ambition.

"I've still got one more goal that I want to achieve and that's playing for Tonga."

His selection now brings that ambition a step closer to reality.

Tonga begin their November campaign against Romania on 6 November before facing Georgia on 14 November and Hong Kong China on 21 November.

The fixtures offer Laumape a chance to make his Tonga debut and build towards next year's World Cup.

Five former All Blacks who could switch nations

Laumape is not the only former New Zealand international with the chance to represent another country.

Several players could follow a similar path before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

1. Hoskins Sotutu – England or Fii

Former All Blacks number eight Hoskins Sotutu is already making his mark in English rugby.

The 28-year-old joined Newcastle Red Bulls this summer after leaving the Blues, where he helped win the Super Rugby Pacific title in 2024.

Sotutu won 14 caps for New Zealand between 2020 and 2022 but has not featured for the All Blacks since.

He qualifies for England through his mother and has Fijian heritage through his father, former Fiji international Waisake Sotutu.

The powerful back-rower has completed the three-year stand-down period required for a potential international switch.

However, any change of allegiance would still need World Rugby approval.

For now, Sotutu is focused on Newcastle, where he has already established himself as a key figure in Dan McFarland's squad.

2. Folau Fakatava – Tonga

The talented scrum-half earned two caps for New Zealand in 2022.

Born in Tonga, Fakatava is now eligible to represent his country of birth after completing the required stand-down period.

His pace and attacking instincts could make him a valuable addition to Tonga's backline.

3. Max Hicks – England

Newcastle Red Bulls forward Max Hicks has emerged as a surprise contender for England selection.

The 26-year-old, who previously represented the Māori All Blacks, qualifies for England through his mother.

Hicks joined Newcastle from Perpignan this summer and has quickly become one of the Gallagher PREM's standout performers.

According to The Times, Steve Borthwick is keeping a close eye on the versatile forward, who can play at lock or blindside flanker.

Unlike the other former All Blacks on this list, Hicks has never won a senior New Zealand cap.

He was overlooked for England's initial November training squad but could still force his way into Borthwick's plans ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

4. Akira Ioane – Samoa

The former All Blacks flanker has already taken a major step towards representing Samoa.

Ioane, who won 21 caps for New Zealand, has been named in Samoa's squad for the November Nations Cup.

The 31-year-old could make his debut against Zimbabwe on 7 November.

His younger brother Rieko remains an All Blacks international, setting up the possibility of the brothers representing different countries.

5. Nepo Laulala – Samoa

The experienced prop won 53 caps for New Zealand and featured at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Born in Samoa, Laulala has a potential route to represent his country of birth under World Rugby's eligibility rules.

Any return to Test rugby would depend on his fitness and selection.

These possible switches show how World Rugby's eligibility rules could reshape Pacific Island squads before the 2027 tournament.

For Tonga, however, the immediate focus is Laumape.

After six years away from Test rugby, the former All Blacks powerhouse finally has the opportunity to pull on a different international jersey.