All Blacks sensation Wallace Sititi locked in for 2027 World Cup as another Scott Robertson snub heads to France

All Blacks star Wallace Sititi has penned a new deal with the Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby, while the Blues have bid farewell to a front-row stalwart.

In a massive boost for New Zealand ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, Sititi, has committed for another two years with the Chiefs and NZ Rugby, signing a new contract until the end of 2027.

Sititi extends Chiefs stay

The exciting back-rower made his Super Rugby Pacific debut last year and quickly earned a place as All Black number #1218, making his Test debut against Fiji in San Diego.

He played a further nine Test matches for the All Blacks in 2024, with his barnstorming performances earning him the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year and the All Blacks Player of the Year awards.

“Everyone can see how well we gel as a team and how well we connect. The Chiefs took my family in with open arms and welcomed us right from the start. We really feel at home here. I know my parents and my family enjoy being part of the team culture just as much as I do,” Sititi said.

“I love playing for the Chiefs. Their style of play suits me. There is still a lot of room for me to grow and develop as a player and I think the best place for me to do is here in New Zealand with the Chiefs.”

Outgoing Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan says Sititi’s decision to re-sign is a major win for the club’s future.

“Wallace is one of the most dynamic young players in world rugby. He’s shown incredible resilience to overcome injury and come back even stronger. The energy, skill, and physicality he brings to every game is infectious. We’re stoked to have Wallace locked in and leading the next generation of Gallagher Chiefs,” said McMillan.

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“He brings a professionalism that lifts those around him, and he has strong leadership potential. He’s a player with a huge future, and to have his commitment to the Chiefs gives me confidence in the environment we’ve built and where we’re heading as a club.”

Chris Lendrum, General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance at NZR, added: “Wallace has made a great start to his professional career and is showing the promise and talent as a full international as he displayed when representing the New Zealand Under 20s in 2022.

“To receive the 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award was recognition of Wallace’s athletic prowess, but also his dedication to constant improvement. We’re looking forward to a continuation of his growth over the next two years.”

Blues lose hooker Riccitelli

The news of Sititi’s re-signing comes after the Blues confirmed that hooker Ricky Riccitelli will depart the club at the conclusion of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific.

Riccitelli has been a cornerstone of the Blues scrum since joining the Aucklanders in 2022 from the Hurricanes, helping the side win Super Rugby in 2024.

He featured in 14 of the Blues’ Super Rugby matches last year and started all three of their knockout matches. He has been a mainstay in the side in 2025 too, racking up 10 appearances to date, nine of which in the starting XV.

Riccitelli will take up a contract in France with reports linking him to Top 14 outfit Montpellier, where he is set to join Wallabies back-rower Langi Gleeson.

A Super Rugby champion with the Hurricanes in 2016 and a standout for Taranaki, Riccitelli has been a consistent performer for the Blues but has been repeatedly overlooked for higher honours with the All Blacks.

“Ricky is the type of player every team needs. He’s hard-working, resilient and a true professional as a leader within our forward group,” Blues GM of Rugby Murray Williams said.

“While we’re sad to see him go, he leaves with our support and gratitude for the contribution he’s made to the Blues.”

Riccitelli is the third permanent departure confirmed by the Blues, following All Blacks Harry Plummer and Mark Tele’a, who are leaving the Aucklanders after this season’s Super Rugby Pacific season.

Plummer also makes the switch to France, signing for Clermont while Tele’a is off to an undisclosed Japanese club.

Finally, Rieko Ioane will take a short-term deal at Irish club Leinster after the All Blacks’ 2025 international season.

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