Charlie Ngatai

2022 - 6 - 16

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Leinster Rugby"

Ngatai signs for Leinster Rugby from Lyon (Leinster Rugby)

Leinster Rugby can confirm the signing of New Zealand international Charlie Ngatai from European Challenge Cup winners, Lyon.

Even then, as a young man, you could see the influence he had on that Chiefs squad and that influence I think has only increased over the years with Lyon most recently. Ngatai played against Leinster Rugby for Lyon in the 2019/20 Heineken Champions Cup and most recently starred in Lyon’s 30-12 Challenge Cup final victory over Toulon in Marseille. The 31-year-old has played 88 times for Lyon in the last four seasons in the TOP14 and in the Heineken Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup.

Leinster confirm signing of former All-Black Charlie Ngatai (Irish Examiner)

Primarily a centre, the Kiwi is a versatile player who is able to cover a number of positions in the backs, and is also a kicking option.

“I’ve had a few good chats with Leo and it will be exciting to play alongside some new and also some familiar faces.” Even then, as a young man, you could see the influence he had on that Chiefs squad and that influence I think has only increased over the years with Lyon most recently," Cullen said. Ngatai is a former All Black from his time with the Chiefs in New Zealand, and comes with good recent pedigree, having played a vital part in Lyon's Challenge Cup win against Toulon this year.

Leinster sign former All Black Charlie Ngatai from Lyon (Independent.ie)

Leinster have confirmed the signing of New Zealand utility back Charlie Ngatai from European Challenge Cup winners, Lyon, as revealed in independent.ie last ...

Even then, as a young man, you could see the influence he had on that Chiefs squad and that influence I think has only increased over the years with Lyon most recently. “He’s a New Zealand international and I believe would have been capped far more only for his injury issues which were well-documented at the time but he has been back playing now a number of years and you could see even in the Challenge Cup final in Marseille just how influential a player he is. The 31-year-old has played 88 times for Lyon in the last four seasons in the TOP14 and in the Heineken Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup.

Leinster secure deal to sign All Blacks centre Ngatai from Lyon (The42)

The 31-year-old will arrive in Dublin ahead of pre-season.

“The important element for us I think when you look at some of the experience we are losing out of the environment this season with departures and retirements, is that Charlie will be an ever-present figure around UCD and will be a great asset to our younger players in terms of his leadership and experience. “He’s a New Zealand international and I believe would have been capped far more only for his injury issues which were well-documented at the time but he has been back playing now a number of years and you could see even in the Challenge Cup final in Marseille just how influential a player he is. “I’ve had a great few seasons in Lyon but I’m now excited to get started in a new environment, a new team culture and to take on new challenges,” Ngatai said.

Charlie Ngatai to Leinster confirmed as Leo Cullen welcomes ... (Irish Mirror)

The ex-Lyon star can play across the backline and, with a World Cup year coming up, his experience will be seen as invaluable to the province after their ...

Ngatai commented: “I’ve had a great few seasons in Lyon but I’m now excited to get started in a new environment, a new team culture and to take on new challenges. “The important element for us I think when you look at some of the experience we are losing out of the environment this season with departures and retirements, is that Charlie will be an ever-present figure around UCD and will be a great asset to our younger players in terms of his leadership and experience. "Even then, as a young man, you could see the influence he had on that Chiefs squad and that influence I think has only increased over the years with Lyon most recently.

New Zealand international Charlie Ngatai signs for Leinster (The Irish Times)

Ngatai played against Leinster Rugby for Lyon in the 2019/20 Heineken Champions Cup and most recently starred in Lyon's 30-12 Challenge Cup final victory over ...

Even then, as a young man, you could see the influence he had on that Chiefs squad and that influence I think has only increased over the years with Lyon most recently. The 31-year-old has played 88 times for Lyon in the last four seasons in the TOP14 and in the Heineken Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup. Ngatai played against Leinster Rugby for Lyon in the 2019/20 Heineken Champions Cup and most recently starred in Lyon’s 30-12 Challenge Cup final victory over Toulon in Marseille.

Leinster confirm signing of former All Black Ngatai (RTE.ie)

Ngatai earned his sole All Blacks cap in 2015, while he has played 12 times for the Maori All Blacks. Prior to his move to Lyon in 2018 he spent five years ...

Even then, as a young man, you could see the influence he had on that Chiefs squad and that influence I think has only increased over the years with Lyon most recently," Cullen said. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. "The important element for us I think when you look at some of the experience we are losing out of the environment this season with departures and retirements, is that Charlie will be an ever-present figure around UCD and will be a great asset to our younger players in terms of his leadership and experience."