Blues 2025
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@Canes4life dunno, I think he will have alot to offer the Blues and Auckland, particularly as his international career winds down....much rather he retires in NZ helping the next generation than buggaring off overseas for the cash helping other countries talent...I am sure he makes enough in NZ to be comfortable and also be able to give back.
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2025:
@Canes4life dunno, I think he will have alot to offer the Blues and Auckland, particularly as his international career winds down....much rather he retires in NZ helping the next generation than buggaring off overseas for the cash helping other countries talent...I am sure he makes enough in NZ to be comfortable and also be able to give back.
100%, having experience around the group is vital aye. Just look at what a positive influence Shields has been for Wellington and the Canes. Having an old head like that around the group is pretty important as squads seem to be a lot younger these days.
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@Canes4life said in Blues 2025:
@george33 said in Blues 2025:
3 more years for Patrick Tuipolutu, brilliant news
Surprising, you'd think he would go and make some dosh overseas at this stage of his career. He will be 35/36 by the time that contract ends. A good thing for him locking in for that long but if his form starts to dip in the next year or so it might not be the good thing for the Blues. I suppose having someone as experienced and respected as him in the squad is always a good thing though.
He’s already had a sabbatical and he has a young family
This takes him through to the next RWC plus one more SR season. The contract finishes at the end of that SR season
It’s a good commitment. I like how he wants to finish up with the Blues and not just pulling the pin after the RWC like most other contracts
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Hearing another Blues player is looking to be released from his contract and is heading to Japan more details to come
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@Steven-Harris Finlay Christie?
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Sotutu or Perofeta are obvious candidates.
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@frugby said in Blues 2025:
@gt12 Who said he is overly motivated about playing international rugby? I reckon a French/Japanese team probably pays him double what an English side would.
You'd have to ask him that question. Hence our speculation.
His value in Japan would be high, but he's not exactly a 'famous' AB. I wonder whether he may be a bit harder to sell to company executives who control the purse strings.
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@African-Monkey said in Blues 2025:
Sotutu or Perofeta are obvious candidates.
Yeah I thought Perofeta then remembered he just signed on with Auckland in the NPC for personal reasons. Would be weird to do that then request to bugger off to Japan
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@Landers92 said in Blues 2025:
@African-Monkey said in Blues 2025:
Sotutu or Perofeta are obvious candidates.
Yeah I thought Perofeta then remembered he just signed on with Auckland in the NPC for personal reasons. Would be weird to do that then request to bugger off to Japan
That's true, but maybe just one season there then head off perhaps?
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@African-Monkey said in Blues 2025:
@Landers92 said in Blues 2025:
@African-Monkey said in Blues 2025:
Sotutu or Perofeta are obvious candidates.
Yeah I thought Perofeta then remembered he just signed on with Auckland in the NPC for personal reasons. Would be weird to do that then request to bugger off to Japan
That's true, but maybe just one season there then head off perhaps?
Perhaps he’s had a tap on the shoulder. Think his NZR contract ends in 2026. Ruben Love is now ahead of him as that 10/15 guy imo. Someone has to be the odd man out
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@Landers92 said in Blues 2025:
@African-Monkey said in Blues 2025:
@Landers92 said in Blues 2025:
@African-Monkey said in Blues 2025:
Sotutu or Perofeta are obvious candidates.
Yeah I thought Perofeta then remembered he just signed on with Auckland in the NPC for personal reasons. Would be weird to do that then request to bugger off to Japan
That's true, but maybe just one season there then head off perhaps?
Perhaps he’s had a tap on the shoulder. Think his NZR contract ends in 2026. Ruben Love is now ahead of him as that 10/15 guy imo. Someone has to be the odd man out
That was exactly my thoughts with my initial post.
I don't think one person has picked him for the squad.
