Fatherhood Drives All Black Tyrel Lomax to Reconnect with Māoritanga for Future Generations

AUCKLAND — All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax (Tūhoe, Muaupoko) says becoming a father has been the catalyst for his journey to reconnect with his Māoritanga. Speaking at Birkenhead Primary School on Tuesday morning, July 28, 2026, Lomax shared his commitment to ensuring his tamariki possess the cultural foundation and reo Māori fluency he felt he lacked while growing up between New Zealand and Australia. Lomax was at the Auckland school alongside teammates to engage with students in kapa haka and classroom activities before the squad’s departure for their tour of South Africa and the United States. Following his 50th test match in June, the veteran prop reflected on the importance of Māori representation in sport, noting that he wants young people to see themselves reflected in the national team. This commitment to identity extends to his home life. Lomax revealed that both of his young children attend kōhanga reo, and his daughter is set to begin her education at a kura kaupapa Māori next year. He and his wife are dedicated to the Te Aho Matua schooling system, which focuses on Māori philosophical and pedagogical values. Lomax admitted to RNZ that while the journey involved moments of "whakamā" or embarrassment due to his initial distance from the culture, he was willing to face those feelings so his children would not have to. The movement toward Māori-medium education is gaining traction within the All Blacks whānau. Lomax noted that teammate Billy Proctor is also sending his daughter to the same kōhanga. He described the support from other fathers in the kōhanga community as massive, mentioning that a group of dads even travelled to support him during his 50th test. As the 44-strong squad prepares for their eight-match tour, Lomax encouraged aspiring Māori athletes to dream big and remain steadfast in their identity.