Rugby Star Tyrel Lomax Turns Down Big Money to Stay Home

When Irish rugby club Munster came calling with a fat contract, All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax had a choice: take the money or stay home with the people he loves.

The 30-year-old tighthead prop chose home. Lomax re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, the Hurricanes, and Tasman through the end of 2029, turning his back on what media reports called a "rich deal" from the Irish powerhouse.

"Ultimately, I'm pretty happy being here in Wellington and New Zealand," Lomax told reporters in Wellington on Thursday. "My wife and I love being here. My two daughters love being here."

For Lomax, the decision went beyond comfort. He has a clear vision for his family's future that doesn't involve raising his daughters on the other side of the world.

"I've got a pretty good idea on where I want them to be raised, how I want them to be raised," he said. "We love being around our family. That family support, you wouldn't get that on the other side of the world."

The timing helped too. An injury-plagued 2025 season gave Lomax months to think about what mattered most while he recovered.

Why This Inspires

Lomax's choice stands out in an era when New Zealand rugby faces its biggest overseas player drain in history. More Kiwi stars than ever are chasing bigger paychecks in Europe and Japan, leaving gaps in Super Rugby and All Blacks squads.

But Lomax saw things differently. He still has unfinished business in the black jersey: a 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and the 2029 British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.

"I still love being an All Black and playing for the Hurricanes," Lomax said. "The next few years are incredibly exciting too."

Since his 2018 debut against Japan, Lomax has become one of the world's best tighthead props across 48 Tests. In 2024, he started 12 of 14 All Blacks matches and won Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year honors.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie called the three-year extension "significant" and praised Lomax's athletic ability and physical presence. "We believe his best footy is still ahead of him," Rennie said.

For one rugby hardman, the richest reward isn't measured in dollars.