OFA TU’UNGAFASI

Position
Prop

Blues debut
2013 v Hurricanes

Blues caps
149 (SR 147)

Blues points
65

Born
19/04/92

Height
190cm

Weight
127kg

While at Mangere College, Tu'ungafasi came through the Auckland and Blues Development Squads. He represented New Zealand at Under 17 and Under 20’s and made the New Zealand Secondary Schools team in 2010. 

In 2015, Tu'ungafasi started every game during the Blues’ season bar one and played all 15 games in 2016. Off the field, Ofa has been recognised for his community engagement. He opted to shave off a full head of dreadlocks to raise money for Starship Children’s Hospital in April 2015. 

Ofa’s consistency during the 2019 Super Rugby Season saw him cement his spot in the All Blacks squad to travel to Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This was a season which saw him mature into a key leader among the Blues playing group, as well as establishing himself in the black jersey. 

Upon returning to New Zealand, Ofa took an even greater focus on his strength and power and made a name for himself as a defensive menace, routinely crunching anyone unfortunate enough to run in his direction. On the back of his impressive Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, Ofa become a regular starter for the All Blacks. 

In 2021 Ofa made his 100th appearance for the Blues against the Chiefs in Hamilton. Despite picking up a knee injury and missing a large portion of the Super Rugby season, Ofa was still selected for the All Blacks end of season tour to the USA and Europe. 

2023 was Ofa’s 10th season in a blue jersey  and he remains the longest serving of the current crop of players. He was impressive once again as a cornerstone of the pack and earned selection in the 2023 All Blacks RWC squad in France.  

As someone who’s been through some tough times in a Blues jersey, the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season was special for Tu’ungafasi. The hulking prop was once again a key cog in the Blues scrum and the style of play Vern Cotter brought to the table suited Ofa immensely.  

Surprisingly, Ofa turned into somewhat of a try scoring machine in 2024, dotting down six times after only scoring seven tries in his previous 10 seasons! It seems it pays to be a big, abrasive forward in any team Vern Cotter coaches! Tu’ungafasi will return for his 12th season with the Blues in 2025 and will tick past 150 games for the club. His prowess in the scrum, excellent handling and strong defence will no doubt be an asset as the Blues launch a defence of the Super Rugby Pacific title. 

Ofa is contracted with the Blues through until the end of the 2026 season.