All Blacks and Blues loose forward Dalton Papali'i has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027.
The 26-year-old, who started the first two Tests of the year in the No.7 jersey, has played 34 Tests since making his All Blacks debut as a 21-year-old against Japan in 2018. His new deal will take him through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“I’m loving my footy right now at every level and home is where the heart is, so it was an easy decision to remain in New Zealand and run it back with the Blues next year,” he said.
“It’s great to have certainty about the next few years but right now my full focus is on the Rugby Championship and contributing to the All Blacks in 2024.”
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said: “Dalton is a world class loose forward who brings physicality and work rate on both sides of the ball and can play multiple positions. He works hard every day in our environment and continues to grow as a leader and player. Having Dalton in New Zealand for the next three years is a great result.”
Papali'i will be a good chance to play Argentina in Wellington on Saturday but is part of an increasingly congested loose forwards mix following the returns from injury of Sam Cane, the former All Blacks skipper, and Ethan Blackadder.
Blackadder started at openside flanker against Fiji in San Diego recently. Cane's last Test was the World Cup final in Paris late last year.
Blues head coach Vern Cotter said he was impressed by Papali'i throughout the 2024 campaign. The Blues claimed the Super Rugby Pacific final when beating the Chiefs 41-10 at Eden Park in June.
“I’ve really loved Dalt’s work this year. He was a great contributor to the success of this season," Cotter said. "It’s great for the Blues that he’s signed on for another couple of seasons and I look forward to working with him again next year.”
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Papali'i's deal contrasts with that recently signed by Caleb Clarke, his All Blacks and Blues teammate. Clarke has extended his contract by only one year.
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