2026 BLUES SQUAD ANNOUNCED

A blend of proven performers and exciting new talent headlines the 2026 Blues squad ahead of the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.

Head coach Vern Cotter has named a 38-player squad, with a familiar mix of homegrown talent anchoring the team’s core and more than two-thirds of the squad developed from within the Blues region.

The forward pack sees the addition of Bradley Slater and Flyn Yates joining the front row ranks, while Malachi Wrampling and Terrell Peita add athleticism to the loose forwards.

The new inclusions further strengthen a pack alongside the likes of Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Dalton Papali’i, Ofa Tu‘ungafasi, Hoskins Sotutu and 2025 Blues Player of the Year Joshua Fusitu’a.

2026 will see the long-anticipated return of Darry (shoulder) and Tu‘ungafasi (neck), who both missed the majority of last season due to injury.

In the backs, there are five new faces for 2026 including several who are returning to the club after stints elsewhere.

Midfielder Pita Ahki returns home after a standout career with Toulouse in France, adding experience and physicality to a backline headlined by creativity and speed.

North Harbour fullback Kade Banks is back in blue after a year away, while young talents Rico Simpson, James Cameron and Cody Vai have been contracted for the first time.

All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett returns to anchor the backline alongside one of the most experienced halves units in Super Rugby, and seasoned performers Caleb Clarke and AJ Lam.

Cotter said his squad carried a strong core of players who understand what it means to represent the Blues, and are hungry to make their mark.

“We’ve retained the core of our forwards unit while adding some exciting young players who will bring real energy and hunger to the group,” Cotter said.

“There’s pace and creativity in our backs, but also a lot of composure and experience. The mix of talent gives us flexibility in how we want to play.”

“The goal is to be consistent, connected, and to keep growing our game and our identity as a team that represents the people of this region. Competition for places will be strong and that’s exactly what you want heading into a new campaign.”

2026 BLUES SQUAD

PROPS:
Ben Ake
Joshua Fusitu’a
Jordan Lay
Marcel Renata
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Flyn Yates*

HOOKERS:
Kurt Eklund
James Mullan
Bradley Slater*

LOCKS:
Josh Beehre
Tristyn Cook
Sam Darry
Laghlan McWhannell
Patrick Tuipulotu

LOOSE FORWARDS:
Cameron Christie
Che Clark
Dalton Papali’i
Terrell Peita*
Anton Segner
Hoskins Sotutu
Malachi Wrampling*

HALFBACKS:
Finlay Christie
Taufa Funaki
Sam Nock

FIRST-FIVE EIGHTHS:
Beauden Barrett
Stephen Perofeta
Rico Simpson*

MIDFIELDERS:
Pita Ahki*
James Cameron*
Corey Evans
AJ Lam
Xavi Taele

OUTSIDE BACKS:
Kade Banks*
Caleb Clarke
Cole Forbes
Payton Spencer
Zarn Sullivan
Cody Vai*

*Newly contracted players for 2026

2026 Blues memberships are on sale now