Ioane Moananu

Ioane Moananu
Born (2001-02-08) 8 February 2001 (age 25)
New Zealand
Height173 cm (5 ft 8 in)
Weight113 kg (249 lb; 17 st 11 lb)
Rugby union career
Position Hooker
Current team Highlanders, Counties Manukau
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2021– Counties Manukau 17 (40)
2023–2025 Crusaders 17 (35)
2026 Waratahs 8 (30)
2027– Highlanders 0 (0)
Correct as of 30 May 2026

Ioane Moananu (born 8 February 2001) is a New Zealand rugby union player, currently playing for the Waratahs and Counties Manukau. His preferred position is hooker.

Early career

Moananu attended De La Salle in Auckland, before playing for Manurewa RFC.

Professional career

Moananu was named in the Counties Manukau squad for the 2022 Bunnings NPC. He joined the Crusaders ahead of Round 3 of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, making his debut against the Drua. He scored his first try for the team in the same game in the 78th minute. He also scored his second try for the side against the Rebels, earning comparisons to Keven Mealamu.

In late July 2026, Moananu was announced as the Highlanders' latest transfer, signing a two-year deal ahead of the 2027 season.

References

  1. ↑ "Ioane Moananu". Ultimate Rugby. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  2. ↑ "Moananu, Foliaki to make Super Rugby debuts". Counties Manukau. 10 March 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  3. ↑ "2022 PIC Steelers squad named" (Press release). Counties Manukau Rugby. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  4. ↑ "Squad Naming - Round Three v Drua" (Press release). Crusaders. 9 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  5. ↑ "'Mealamu 2.0': Crusaders unearth new Superman as Rebels get 'stuck in the mud' yet again". Nine.com.au. 21 April 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  6. ↑ Lester, Ned (22 July 2026). "Ioane Moananu secures Super Rugby return to New Zealand on two-year deal". RugbyPass. Retrieved 23 July 2026.
  7. ↑ Meikle, Hayden (22 July 2026). "Highlanders Sign Ex-Crusaders Hooker". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 23 July 2026.