Blues 2024

[SBW1]

Part of what looks like a small exodus from offshore Kiwis back to New Zealand in 2024. Hopefully just the beginning. Aussie are attracting a lot back next year.

[Bovidae]

@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2023:

NZ Rugby need more big locks.

It's one of the things I take interest in watching 1st XV/age-group rugby. There aren't as many as I would hope, and often locks at that level aren't tall enough to be a genuine lock at SR level.

[Stargazer]

@Steven-Harris said in Blues 2023:

@Tim he’s actually a kiwi boy also available for Samoa I believe, saw him running around in the top 14 last year when the commentators mentioned he was a kiwi
Looked to have some size

Yep, he was born in Apia, possibly educated in NZ, but I haven't been able to find at which school.

[Duluth]

@Stargazer said in Blues 2023:

Yep, he was born in Apia, possibly educated in NZ, but I haven't been able to find at which school.

Probably somewhere in Auckland, his instagram has a teenage photo of him and his mates in Mt Roskill

Hopefully he plays NPC for Auckland and takes Vests spot

[george33]

@Daffy-Jaffy not sure on James Tucker situation yes think plumtree is moving on

[george33]

@Duluth kings college I'm pretty certain

[taniwharugby]

@Bovidae yeap, I see the same up here at club and schoolboy, most of the locks are 6/lock size, and the taller ones just dont seem robust enough for the next level.

[KiwiMurph]

I wonder if it's a sign that Vern Cotter is confirmed given his connections with Clermont and his connections with Toeava.

[Kirwan]

Looks heavier than listed, big boy.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Kirwan Yes, often clubs don't update physical stats season to season. He has no doubt spent much time in the gym over there. He comes on in jersey 19 at 64 mins in this game and has more involvement than in the previous example as Clermont have more possession this game.

[Tim]

So, anyone know if Hodgman is returning? Think we really missed him this year.

Only props known to be signed beyond this year are Josh Fusitua (2025) and Ofa Tuʻungafasi (2024). Laulala is going to France? Lay brothers are more stop gaps than anything else. Renata not good enough in scrum. Sione Ahio next in line for tight head? Maybe Tevita Mafileo as a loosehead?

Riccitelli and Vikena are back next year. Does Eklund make the cut? Who else could we sign?

Sounds like the lock from Castres is coming into the squad. Him, Tuipulotu, Darry, and Suafoa would be the core. Would be great to have another big lock competing for a place in the starting line up. McWhannell still in play?

[Tim]

Did we really get anything out of Barrett that we couldn't have gotten from Perofeta?

Probably not.

[nostrildamus]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

Did we really get anything out of Barrett that we couldn't have gotten from Perofeta?

Probably not.

More hospital passes?

[Nogusta]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

So, anyone know if Hodgman is returning? Think we really missed him this year.

Hodgman is off to France as well. Blues did not offer him anything for next year. James Lay I thought had re-signed but a late offer from MP had him reconsidering so not 100% sure.

[Tim]

@Nogusta Thanks!

Any idea on who will be signed in the front row?

[Tim]

Prior to this squad naming the Herald understands Akira Ioane signed a two-year contract extension with New Zealand rugby to signal he will stay and fight for a recall. Hoskins Sotutu is also contracted until the end of next year.

[george33]

There was rumors of Akira maybe signed for Highlanders but haven't herd ,I guess he's still a Blues boy

[SouthernMann]

@george33 said in Blues 2023:

There was rumors of Akira maybe signed for Highlanders but haven't herd ,I guess he's still a Blues boy

We are really going hard at everyone it seems.

[george33]

Ok haven't heard the name B4 and that's not disrespectful of the young man

[SouthernMann]

He is standing in between Gregory and Bekhuis here. Looks to be a decent size for an openside.