Peter Ionatana Jack Umaga-Jensen (born 31 December 1997) is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays as a center or outside back for Wellington in New Zealand's domestic Mitre 10 Cup and for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Aotearoa.[1][2]

Peter Umaga-Jensen
Full namePeter Ionatana Jack Umaga-Jensen
Date of birth (1997-12-31) 31 December 1997 (age 26)
Place of birthLower Hutt, New Zealand
Height187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight102 kg (225 lb; 16 st 1 lb)
SchoolScots College
Notable relative(s)Thomas Umaga-Jensen (brother)
Tana Umaga (uncle)
Jerry Collins (uncle)
Mike Umaga (uncle)
Jacob Umaga (cousin)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre, Fullback
Current team Wellington, Hurricanes
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2016– Wellington 43 (65)
2018– Hurricanes 32 (45)
Correct as of 25 April 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2016 New Zealand U20 2 (5)
2020 North Island 1 (0)
2020 New Zealand 1 (0)
Correct as of 22 October 2022

Early life and education

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Umaga-Jensen was born in Lower Hutt,[3] in the Wellington Region of the North Island of New Zealand. He started playing rugby for his local side Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club when he was 5 years old.[4]

Umaga-Jensen attended Scots College in Wellington city and captained their 1st XV to win the national boys high school competition in 2014.[2]

Senior career

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Umaga-Jensen was named in the Wellington Lions squad for the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup and quickly became a regular in the side, playing 8 times and scoring 1 try.[5]

Super Rugby career

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After one season at provincial level, Umaga-Jensen was signed up by defending Super Rugby champions, the Hurricanes ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season.[1] He made his debut against the Reds in 2018, but had a hard time with injuries.[6] At end of the 2019 season he signed a new deal with the Canes that will keep him stay at the club until 2021.

In 2020, Umaga-Jensen established himself as first-choice 13 for the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition. He earned praise for his performances, in particular the win against the Crusaders. The match was specially significant since it ended the Cantabrians' four-year unbeaten home run — the Crusaders' first loss at home in 37 games since they were also beaten by the Hurricanes in July 2016.[7][8]

New Zealand U20s

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Umaga-Jensen was a member of the New Zealand Under 20 side which competed in the 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Championship in England where he scored a try in his only appearance.[5][9] He also represented his country the following year, helping the New Zealand U20's win the 2017 Junior World Rugby Championship held in Georgia.[10]

All Blacks

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Umaga-Jensen made his international debut for the All Blacks on 18 October 2020 against Australia at Auckland.[11][12]

Family

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Peter's twin brother Thomas Umaga-Jensen has also represented Wellington at rugby at senior level and has played Super Rugby for the Highlanders. They are the nephews of former All Black captain Tana Umaga and the late former All Black Jerry Collins.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Hurricanes 2017 Squad Guide" (PDF). All Blacks.com. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Peter Umaga-Jensen Wellington Lions Player Profile". Wellington Rugby. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  3. ^ "Player". Wellington Lions. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  4. ^ Hurricanes on Facebook Watch, retrieved 25 July 2020
  5. ^ a b "Peter Umaga-Jensen itsrugby Player Statistics". it's rugby. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  6. ^ a b "Peter Umaga-Jensen". www.ultimaterugby.com. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  7. ^ AFP. "'Awesome' Hurricanes end Crusaders phenomenal streak". The42. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  8. ^ "Super Rugby: Hurricanes snap Crusaders' record run in Christchurch thriller". Stuff. 25 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  9. ^ "Peter Umaga-Jensen New Zealand Under-20 Player Profile". All Blacks.com. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  10. ^ worldrugby.org. "World Rugby U20 Championship". www.world.rugby. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  11. ^ "As it happened: All Blacks bounce back with impressive win". NZ Herald. 18 October 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  12. ^ Cully, Paul (1 March 2022). "Highlanders midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jensen relishes chance to line up Hurricanes twin Peter". Stuff. Retrieved 10 September 2022.