HALL OF FAME INAUGURAL CLASS ANNOUNCED

The Blues have announced a landmark moment in the club’s 30-year history with Sean Fitzpatrick, Zinzan Brooke and Carlos Spencer named inaugural inductees to the Blues Hall of Fame.

The Blues Hall of Fame, presented by Barfoot & Thompson, honours the legends, stories, and defining moments that have shaped the club since its inception in 1996.

This year’s inaugural class of inductees were honoured at a formal event at the New Zealand International Convention Centre on Friday, where they were each presented a bespoke personalised Waka Hoe to represent their journeys with the club.

Inaugural inductees into the Blues Hall of Fame:

Sean Fitzpatrick
Two-time Super Rugby champion
Widely regarded as one of the greatest hookers to ever play the game, Sean Fitzpatrick was a cornerstone of the Blues’ inaugural championship winning era. His uncompromising leadership, professionalism and fierce competitive spirit helped drive the Blues to consecutive Super Rugby titles in 1996 and 1997. Already an iconic figure in New Zealand rugby, Fitzpatrick brought immense experience and mana to the Blues environment, helping establish a winning culture.

Zinzan Brooke
Inaugural Blues captain and two-time Super Rugby champion
One of the most influential forwards in world rugby history, Zinzan Brooke captained the Blues during the club’s formative years and helped establish the identity and ambition that defined the early success of the club. Brooke revolutionised the role of the modern loose forward with his ability to impact games across the park. He played a central role in the Blues’ back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 1996 and 1997, setting standards of excellence and leadership.

Carlos Spencer
96 Blues caps and three-time Super Rugby champion
Carlos Spencer remains one of the most electrifying and entertaining players ever to wear the Blues jersey. A generational talent, Spencer thrilled fans with his instinctive attacking play, creativity and flair, redefining what was possible from the first five position. Across 96 appearances for the Blues, he scored 630 points and played a pivotal role in the club’s championship successes in 1996, 1997 and 2003. Beyond his achievements on the field, Spencer became a symbol of Blues rugby - expressive, fearless and deeply connected to the community.

The Hall of Fame extends across all eras of the club, from claiming the inaugural Super Rugby title in 1996, through to the modern era which has seen the Super Rugby Pacific trophy most recently return to Blues HQ in 2024 while the nib Blues secured back-to-back Aupiki titles in 2024 and 2025.