All Blacks lock in ‘world-class’ Sam Cane successor ahead of Rugby Championship
Dalton Papali'i in action for the All Blacks.
The All Blacks have received a boost ahead of the Rugby Championship after “world-class” flanker Dalton Papali’i inked a new deal with New Zealand Rugby (NZR).
Papali’i’s extension runs through to the end of 2027 and means he also re-signs with Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Blues, and Counties Manukau in the NPC.
The 26-year-old openside has made 34 Test appearances for the All Blacks since making his debut as a 21-year-old against Japan in 2018 and has a bright future.
Easy decision
Papali’i‘s new contract will take him through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and he admits it was an “easy decision” to sign on the dotted line again.
“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.”
Papali’i is viewed by many as being a long-term successor to Sam Cane‘s number seven shirt at Test level, with head coach Scott Robertson hailing his progress.
“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 said.
“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.”
Chris Lendrum, NZR General Manager Professional Rugby and Performance, and Blues GM of Rugby, Murray Williams, were both equally thrilled with the deal.
“We’ve all seen Dalton’s development as a player and a leader since entering the professional ranks,” said Lendrum.
“To see a player entering the prime of his career recommit for another three years shows the lure of the black jersey and being part of the All Blacks environment in New Zealand remain as strong as ever.”
Williams added: “Dalton’s a key cog in our planning over the coming seasons for the Blues, it’s great to have him locked in until the end of 2027.
“He’s a top man to have around the club and we have no doubt he’ll continue to be the premier openside flanker in New Zealand over the next couple of campaigns.”
Meanwhile, Blues head coach Vern Cotter was also happy to have Papali’i retained in his squad moving forward after having been impressed by him in 2024.
“I’ve really loved Dalt’s work this year, he was a great contributor to the success of this season. 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,” he said.
