Lima Sopoaga, the prodigal son of New Zealand rugby, is back on home turf after an eight-year odyssey that saw him sling passes in the Premiership, Top 14, and Japan Rugby League One. The former All Blacks fly-half, a seasoned globe-trotter at 34, is now set to don the Waikato colors in the upcoming National Provincial Championship (NPC), marking his first NPC appearance since 2016.
Sopoaga's rugby journey took him from Wasps in 2017 to Lyon and then to Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks, before this unexpected return. His comeback game for Waikato will see him start from the bench in their NPC opener against Auckland at Eden Park. This strategic move by Waikato comes as they grapple with the absence of current All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown, sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
"This wasn’t on the bingo card for 2025, but here we are. Guess we running it back then or maybe I should run and get some dye first,"
Sopoaga's wit shines through on social media, reflecting both surprise and excitement about his return. While he's listed as a backup to Aaron Cruden, another All Blacks stalwart, his presence adds depth and experience to the squad. Sopoaga, who represented Samoa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, also brings international flair back to the local scene, a boost for Waikato following Lienert-Brown's untimely injury.
The NPC's opening round isn't just a showcase for returning stars but also a platform for current All Blacks under coach Scott Robertson to strut their stuff. With seven of Robertson's squad in action, the domestic league promises high-intensity rugby, featuring notable names like Ruben Love for Wellington and Brodie McAlister for Canterbury. Moreover, the weekend games include promising talents such as Emoni Narawa and Dalton Papali’i, who are set to play for Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau, respectively.
As the NPC season kicks off, the return of Lima Sopoaga not only stirs nostalgia but also injects a seasoned playmaker's insight back into New Zealand’s rugby veins, promising a blend of experience and youthful vigor on the field.