The Blues have named a potent squad with a mix of proven performers and passionate potential for their 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

The 38-strong squad comprises 12 All Blacks past and present, with 10 internationals in a pack that is brim-full of power and purpose from Blues Centurion Ofa Tuungafasi to the exciting All Black backrow of Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii and Hoskins Sotutu.

There is magnetism in the backs with All Black halfback Finlay Christie to feed some electrifying runners including the return of first-five Beauden Barrett, this year’s best back-in-black in Rieko Ioane and the much-anticipated arrival of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

The biggest change in a powerful pack is in the middle row with captain Patrick Tuipulotu, the influential Gerard Cowley-Tuioti and North Harbour’s Jacob Pierce, all venturing to Japan. The Blues have worthy replacements in veteran All Black Luke Romano from the Crusaders and James Tucker, who returns from playing for the Brumbies. The two locks have starred for Canterbury and Waikato respectively in the Bunnings NPC, second and third in defence and tackle count among all players this season.

Newcomers in the front row include the experienced hooker Ricky Riccitelli from the Hurricanes and Samoan rep Jordan Lay, for injured younger brother James Lay. 

The loose forwards top-drawer and bolstered further with promising young players Anton Segner and Cameron Suafoa, who along with Tom Robinson, have potential to fill-in at lock.

The backs are virtually unchanged, with Barrett returning and Tuivasa-Sheck arriving to replace Japan-bound Otere Black and TJ Faiane. Two young players to slot into the midfield, in last year’s development player of the year, Corey Evans and Northland’s capable Tamati Tua.

The outside backs form an extraordinary group of gems led by Caleb Clarke, keen to re-spark his star, elusive winger Mark Telea, veteran Bryce Heem who was outstanding in 2021 and Zarn Sullivan, whose exceptional form belied his years.

The Blues were rewarded with the Trans-Tasman Trophy this year, with coach Leon MacDonald determined it won’t be the last silverware at Blues HQ.

“The team have improved each of the last three years and while we are very proud of that trophy sitting in our cabinet, it marks the end of the beginning for this group,” said MacDonald.

“Our key learning is that if we put in the mahi every week, every day and every session, and we do our homework and prepare well, then we can get the rewards.

“We can take real confidence from the Trans-Tasman title, but at the same time we realise this is a new competition and we all start on zero points.

“I am confident we have a team with a good mix of internationals and young guys. Titles aren’t the target every week – they are a consequence of us striving to improve in every aspect of our game and producing a level of rugby that we are proud of. It is going to be a hell of a ride.”

The Blues squad for 2022 is:

Forwards:

Adrian Choat (Auckland),Sam Darry (Canterbury), Kurt Eklund (Bay of Plenty), Josh Goodhue (Northland), Alex Hodgman (Auckland), Akira Ioane (Auckland), Nepo Laulala (Counties Manukau), Jordan Lay (Auckland), Dalton Papalii (Counties Manukau), Taine Plumtree (Wellington), Marcel Renata (Auckland), Ricky Riccitelli (Taranaki), Tom Robinson (Northland), Luke Romano (Canterbury),  Cameron Suafoa (North Harbour), Anton Segner (Tasman), Hoskins Sotutu (Counties Manukau), Karl Tu’inukuafe (North Harbour), James Tucker (Waikato), Ofa Tuungafasi (Northland), Soane Vikena (Auckland).

Backs:

Beauden Barrett (Taranaki), Finlay Christie (Tasman), Caleb Clarke (Auckland), Corey Evans (Auckland), Taufa Funaki (Auckland), Bryce Heem (Auckland), Rieko Ioane (Auckland), AJ Lam (Auckland), Sam Nock (Northland), Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki), Harry Plummer (Auckland), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Taranaki), Zarn Sullivan (Auckland), Mark Telea (Tasman), Tanielu Tele’a (Counties Manukau), Tamati Tua (Northland), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Auckland).