BLUES CONFIRM 2027 WIDER TRAINING GROUP

Twelve emerging players from across the Blues region and beyond have been named in the 2027 Blues Wider Training Group.

The group features five players from North Harbour, four from Auckland, two from Northland and one from Canterbury, all of whom will be embedded within the Blues throughout the 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

The Wider Training Group gives the next generation a direct pathway into the Blues environment, training daily with the full squad and providing injury cover when needed.

The initiative aims to strengthen the national talent pool and provide greater security and growth opportunities for athletes.

Blues Head Coach Jason Holland said the squad was about having an eye on the future, giving players time and space to grow in a professional environment.

“We’ve got a real focus on building homegrown players from within our region and we are really pleased with the group we’ve put together,” he said.

“The opportunity for these guys, who would otherwise have no Super Rugby contract, is immense and we’ve all seen first hand what they can contribute to teams and the wider competition.”

2027 BLUES WIDER TRAINING GROUP

Tom Barham (North Harbour)
Tyson Belworthy (Canterbury)
Esile Fono (Northland)
Cam Howell (North Harbour)
Jordan Hutchings (Northland)
Cohen Norrie (Auckland)
Harlyn Saunoa (Auckland)
Tevita Tatafu (Auckland)
Riley Tofilau (North Harbour)
Sam Tuitupou (North Harbour)
Leka Tu’ungafasi (North Harbour)
Caleb Woodley (Auckland)