PAPALI’I COMMITS TO BLUES FUTURE

Loose forward Dalton Papali’i has recommitted to the Blues and New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2027.

The 26-year-old has played 34 Tests since making his All Blacks debut as a 21-year-old against Japan in 2018 and his new deal will take him through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

He has turned out for the Blues on 83 occasions and completed the most tackles for the club last season with 208 - second highest of DHL Super Rugby Pacific.

He said the decision to sign on was pretty straight forward.

“I’m loving my footy right now at every level and home is where the heart is, so it was an easy decision to remain in New Zealand and run it back with the Blues next year,” he said.

 “It’s great to have certainty about the next few years but right now my full focus is on the Rugby Championship and contributing to the All Blacks in 2024.”

Blues GM of Rugby, Murray Williams, said securing Papali’i was a big win for the club.

“Dalton’s a key cog in our planning over the coming seasons for the Blues, it’s great to have him locked in until the end of 2027.”

 “He’s a top man to have around the club and we have no doubt he’ll continue to be the premier openside flanker in New Zealand over the next couple of campaigns.” 

Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter was impressed by Papali’i throughout the 2024 campaign.

 “I’ve really loved Dalt’s work this year, he was a great contributor to the success of this season. It’s great for the Blues that he’s signed on for another couple of seasons and I look forward to working with him again next year.”