FOUR KEY COGS EXTEND

Four key cogs of the Blues rugby machine, with nearly 150 caps between them, have all signed to extend their contracts with the club.

Northland forwards Josh Goodhue and Tom Robinson, Auckland captain Harry Plummer and fellow utility back Stephen Perofeta have re-signed.

Perofeta and Goodhue have extended to 2022 with Robinson and Plummer to 2023 by which time all could chalk up 50 caps for the Blues.

The most resilient is the youngest, in 23-year-old Harry Plummer, who has the remarkable record of playing in every Super Rugby game in his three seasons at the Blues. He has started 14 times and came off the bench 30 times at first-five and second-five, and is also a proven goal-kicker. He leads the group with 44 caps for the Blues.

Fellow utility Perofeta joined the Blues in 2017 as a teenager, having impressed for Whanganui as a schoolboy before being picked up by Taranaki. His debut at 19 years came off the bench, producing some individual magic to score the winning try over the Reds in the historic first Super Rugby game in Samoa. Injury has stalled his progress, with 30 games for the Blues at first-five and fullback for the gifted, fast and elusive runner.

Northland lock Goodhue, the odd-couple twin of All Black midfielder Jack, has become a key contributor for the Blues since making his debut against the Hurricanes in 2017. The 1.99m, 115km lock has chalked up 38 caps for the Blues as a hard-working, athletic, ball-winning forward who will prove invaluable in his core role and as a leader in 2022.

Robinson, 27, is the eldest of the quartet with his early progress challenged after three seasons out of the sport with significant injuries. The dashing 1.98m, 112kg loose forward/lock has fast become a fan favourite with his non-stop aggressive style, and has chalked up 34 caps since his debut against the Crusaders in 2019.

“These four players are all incredibly important for our team on and off the field,” said coach Leon MacDonald. “They are still young but now experienced Super Rugby players with a significant number of games under their belts.

“They are now seniors who will continue to have a growing influence on this team as players and as leaders.

“They go about their business in such a professional manner. They are a vital cog in the Blues machine and I am delighted they have all decided to extend their stay.”