Blues 2024

[Stargazer]

@antipodean NZR (and Rugby Aus) have signed agreements with the Japan RFU. More tests between NZ and Japan (in Japan) is only one result of that. More games between SRP sides and Japan League One sides is another. I also don't think it's a coincidence that we saw more Japanese players in the NPC/provincial development teams. Even Chiefs Manawa now have a Japanese player in the squad announced today.

I have no doubt it's all about the yen.

[Stargazer]

Posted on Ofa Tu'ungafasi's instagram stories.
All Blacks usually use their offseason for "running repairs"; I wonder what he's in hospital for.

[Stargazer]

Officially confirmed now.

BARRETT BACK WITH BLUES FROM 2025 — Blues Rugby

Beauden Barrett is returning to the Blues after his stint playing in Japan, recommitting to New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027. Barrett will be available for the Blues for their 2025 campaign, having already played 30 matches for the side since his debut in 2020 against the Hurricanes at Eden

[frugby]

@Stargazer Be curious to know whether any other franchises pushed hard for him.

[Duluth]

@frugby said in Blues 2024:

Be curious to know whether any other franchises pushed hard for him.

I doubt they were part of the conversation. He's settled in Auckland. It was probably Blues or nothing

[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