Lewis Ponini


Lewis Ponini is a New Zealand rugby union player, who plays for the Crusaders in Super Rugby. He has also played for Canterbury [Rugby Football Union|Canterbury] in the Bunnings NPC. His preferred position is prop.

Early career

Ponini attended Rangiora High School. He moved to Australia in 2021, first representing Eastwood, before transferring to Eastern Suburbs [District RUFC|Eastern Suburbs] in 2023.

Professional career

Ponini represented Canterbury in the 2020 [Mitre 10 Cup] having been called into the squad as an injury replacement. He was called into the New [South Wales Waratahs|Waratahs] squad as an injury replacement ahead of Round 8 of the 2024 [Super Rugby Pacific season], making his debut for the side as a replacement against the Crusaders. Ponini was called into the Crusaders squad as injury cover ahead of Round 15 of the 2025 [Super Rugby Pacific season]. He made his debut in Round 16 in 2025 against the Brumbies in Canberra. He became Crusader #300.