Hurricanes midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen may be closing in on his 50th Super Rugby match, but he’ll always find time to reconnect with his roots in the tight-knit community of Wainuiomata. 

That’s exactly what he did on Monday morning, when the Hurricanes ventured out to Wainuiomata, with their sights set on giving back to the local community.  

The day began with a heartfelt powhiri at Wainuiomata Marae, where the team was welcomed with open arms. After the ceremony, the group split up to take on a range of meaningful tasks, including painting the Marae’s perimeter fence, installing a greenhouse at the local foodbank Kokiri Marae Pātaka Kai, and packing food parcels for families in need. 

“Wainuiomata is home,” Umaga-Jensen reflected. “I look back on my time growing up here with nothing but love. The people, my family and friends, have made this place so special, and they’ve given me so much over the years.” 

Umaga-Jensen and his twin brother, Highlander Thomas Umaga-Jensen, have shared countless firsts from their time in the community, and credit much of their rugby success to their local club. 

"Everything started in Wainuiomata. We played rugby for the first time here, discovered our love for league here, and went to school here.” 

The twins first made their mark in rugby at Wainuiomata High School, where they played for the First XV while in their early teens, before receiving scholarships to Scots College. Coached by Earl Va’a, a fellow Wainuiomata native and former Samoan international, the brothers excelled in the midfield, playing key roles in Scots’ shared national title with Hamilton Boys’ in 2014. 

“I owe a lot to the Wainuiomata Rugby Club,” said Umaga-Jensen. “I still help out whenever I can—whether it’s playing when I get the chance during the club season or handing out kit to the players. I get a real kick out of pulling on the green and black jersey and getting out there with the boys." 

Earlier this year, Umaga-Jensen ran out for his 56th game with the Wainuiomata Premiers and played an integral role in their nail-biting Hardham Cup win over Paremata-Plimmerton. 

“Giving back is what it’s all about,” he said. “This community has given so much to me. There’s a real sense of care and belonging here. To give back to the people who have supported me for so long means everything.”