Paul Willemse's medical joker is found: who is Mahonri Ngakuru, the New Zealand second row who arrives at MHR?

The MHR will welcome the colossus second row New Zealander, Mahonri Ngakuru, as a medical joker until the end of the season.

As manager Joan Caudullo confirmed to us a little over a month ago, MHR was looking for a powerful second row, in order to compensate for the long absence of French international Paul Willemse (concussion), as well as the recent withdrawal of Bastien Chalureau, who underwent shoulder surgery.

This recruit, who is little known in France, is therefore called Mahonri Ngakuru, as revealed by L’Equipe and which we are able to confirm. A solid 25-year-old New Zealand second row, measuring 2.02 m and weighing 119 kg.

Of Maori and Tongan origin, he trained at Saint Kentigern College in Auckland, before quickly joining the Crusaders youth team, thanks to his remarkable performances. He began his professional career in 2020, with Tasman Mako (NPC), with whom he played 14 matches.

He discovered Super Rugby the following season, joining Moana Pasifika, but only played 9 matches, including 6 as a starter, before returning to the New Zealand championship (NPC), under the colours of North Harbour.

A stint in the United States

In 2024, Mahonri Ngakuru left the Pacific, and settled in the United States, in order to discover a new rugby culture. He then discovered Major League Rugby, with the Seattle Seawolves. He has accumulated 9 matches across the Atlantic with the Sea Wolves.

Now, another adventure is open to him, a new championship, on the Montpellier side.

He comes to support Tyler Duguid, the only number 5 in the team, who was replaced until now by Marco Tauleigne. Alongside him, the number 4 position is occupied by Florian Veraeghe, Yacouba Camara, as well as the young hopeful Youssouf Soucouna.

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