Blues 2024

[Daffy Jaffy]

Visual confirmation that Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo is training with the squad -

[Daffy Jaffy]

Annual Navy Mud Run -

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/133437495/all-black-caleb-clarke-to-train-with-south-sydney-rabbitohs

[Daffy Jaffy]

Young Xavi Taele training with the team. Maybe one of the ndc players?

[Bovidae]

@Daffy-Jaffy You would think that one of the young NH locks (Cook, Christie) would be in line for a NDC spot.

[Daffy Jaffy]

King Maxwell also on an ndc with the Blues -

MAXWELL EYES PROMISING FUTURE — Blues Rugby

Meat pies & medicine – Maxwell eyes promising future  The future looks bright for this year’s Michael Garner Scholarship winner – King Maxwell.  Maxwell, who’s preferred position is fullback, has made every post a winner in 2023, representing the Blues U20s, Auckland U19

[Duluth]

He (Maxwell) is one of six players who earned a National Development Contract (NDC) with the Blues this season alongside last year’s Scholarship winner – Xavi Taele.

Strange that the article doesn't name the other four NDC players. Have the Blues named them anywhere else?

[Daffy Jaffy]

Not announced, but we know Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo, Rico Simpson and Riley Williams are training with the squad. They may be ndc players? I also think I spotted Leo Gordon in some posts but not completely sure its him.

[Bovidae]

It's five NDCs per Super Rugby franchise, unless the Blues are paying for one out of their own pocket. The retainer is $17,500 gross for each player so not a lot of money.

[Daffy Jaffy]

There are also two young front rowers at training as well as Ben Ake. The one in orange i think may be Maliu Nuiafe -

The other next to him I don't recognize, he looks a bit like Ake but it is not him as they appear together briefly in the same video screen shot below (Far left and far right).

[Daffy Jaffy]

This post is deleted!

[Daffy Jaffy]

TUIPULOTU NAMED 2024 CAPTAIN — Blues Rugby

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu will take the reins in 2024, named as Blues Captain for the upcoming DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. Tuipulotu previously captained the side from 2019-2021 and is on the cusp of becoming a Blues centurion, finishing the 2023 season on 99 caps. He said being named as Blues Ca

[Duluth]

Interesting. I would've gone with Papali'i

I guess it makes it easier to sub Dalton early and make more use of guys like Choat and Segner

[KiwiMurph]

I think it's a good move. Papalii's Blues form took a dip last year - let him focus on playing

[Daffy Jaffy]

Blues v Chiefs preseason -
4pm Feb 16th
Takapuna RFC - Onewa Domain
Tickets at the gate
Adults $10 & Kids under 14 free
Fans on field after game

[Tim]

@Duluth Hopefully Tuipulotu won't break his arm again.

[Tim]

Super Rugby, Sport, Rugby

Dalton Papalii 'caretaker' captain: Why Tuipulotu replaces him

The Blues are all behind the decision to reinstate their former captain.

[george33]

Dalton will be announced in time under Razor

[KiwiMurph]

@george33 said in Blues 2024:

Dalton will be announced in time under Razor

Lol

[Chris]

I found this interesting from Vern Cotter in the decision of Tuipulotu over Papalii

Cotter said the decision to reinstate Tuipulotu was a case of it being the best man for the job.
“Because he’s very clearly the leader of this group and has been before.