New Zealand winger Caleb Clarke has used his team's northern tour as a way of exploring his Irish heritage.
The Blues winger is expected to keep his starting jersey for Friday night’s autumn international against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium after Scott Robertson's side squeezed past England at Twickenham last weekend.
It will mark the Samoan New Zealander’s first experience of playing on Irish soil, and a special moment for his family given their strong Irish connection.
Clarke's father Eroni earned 24 caps for the All Blacks in the 1990s, while his grandfather played for Samoa.
The 25-year-old says the family tree can be traced to Belfast, with the Clarke’s making their way to Samoa to set up a new life as potato farmers.
"I was speaking to my family before we left for the northern tour," he told reporters ahead of the rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
"My dad and my grandfather were reminding me that I have Irish roots in there. That’s where the Clarkes came from before coming to Samoa. It’s real exciting."
It is believed his Irish ancestors made the voyage in the early part of the last century.
"From there the Clarkes grew and I’m really happy to be here."
Clarke made his All Blacks debut in 2020 and the speedy winger excelled in Super Rugby in 2024 as the Blues marched to their first title in 21 years.
Having previously expressed a desire to switch codes to rugby league – Clarke trained with the South Sydney Rabbitohs ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign – he signed a one-year extension to his current contract which will tie him to the Blues until the end of 2025.
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