Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

'Heartbeat' of the Blues: All Black Patrick Tuipulotu decides club future

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 17: Patrick Tuipulotu of the Blues looks on during the round 14 Super Rugby Pacific match between Moana Pasifika and Blues at North Harbour Stadium, on May 17, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu has re-committed to the Blues and New Zealand Rugby for another three years.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Blues captain’s signature comes as a great boost to the reigning champions, who are currently battling to keep their postseason hopes alive in the final week of the Super Rugby Pacific round-robin.

The 32-year-old has amassed over 100 caps with his hometown Super Rugby team, having earned his first contract with the club in 2014. The new contract will see him remain with in blue until 2028, meaning he may finish the contract challenging Kevin Mealamu’s club record of 164 appearances.

“This club is home. I care deeply about the people, the jersey, and what it represents,” Tuipulotu said.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but I believe there’s still more to come. I’m excited about the future and honoured to lead this team into the next chapter.”

Blues CEO Andrew Hore said that Tuipulotu’s commitment to the team both validates and amplifies the club’s values.

“Patrick is the heartbeat of this team. He leads with integrity, plays with passion, and gives everything for the jersey,” he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“His decision to stay is a powerful endorsement of what we’ve built here at the Blues, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him with us through 2028.”

NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum was thrilled to have such an experienced figure stay in New Zealand.

“Pat’s resilience, dedication and consistency have been hallmarks of his career for the past decade, and he has grown into an influential leader in our game on and off the field. Committing to a further three years is testament to the passion and commitment Pat has for the teams and communities he represents, and his loyalty to New Zealand.”

All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan echoed that sentiment.

“Patty brings a wealth of experience and a calm, commanding presence that lifts the standard of everyone around him. His leadership on and off the field is immense, and having a player of his calibre commit to New Zealand Rugby through to 2028 is fantastic news.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Related

Download the RugbyPass app now!

News, stats, live rugby and more! Download the new RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!

ADVERTISEMENT

South Africa v Argentina | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

France v New Zealand | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

England v Wales | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

Tattoos & Rugby: Why are tattoos so popular with sportspeople? | Amber Schonert | Rugby Rising Locker Room Season 2

Lions Share | Episode 3

Zimbabwe vs Kenya | Rugby Africa Cup Semi Final | Full Match Replay

USA vs Spain | Men's International | Full Match Replay

Portugal vs Ireland | Men's International | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

1 Comment
J
JD Kiwi 47 days ago

This is very good news.


He probably wasn't up to the mark at test level for quite a long time and that seems to have defined him for a lot of fans. A lot of that was due to him being used to start games like the 2016 first ever loss to Ireland - he's never had the engine to keep up the necessary intensity in big test matches for 80 minutes.


In the 2020s it's been a different story. He's become the leader the Blues need and instrumental in their transformation from being the worst kiwi team in Super Rugby. In international rugby, it was a mistake to start him last July but off the pine his physicality, especially in the carry, helped the All Blacks win the final quarter of all their 2024 November internationals. That was quite a turnaround from earlier in the season.


It remains to be seen how long it will be before younger players demand his place in the team, but for now he's playing a crucial role for the All Blacks.

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

LONG READ
LONG READ Kane James: 'I think it’s really important to not like losing' Kane James: 'I think it’s really important to not like losing'