SAM DARRY

Sam Darry, an imposing 2.03m lock from the Mainland, is a physical and dynamic presence in the Blues forward pack. He enjoyed a standout sporting career at Christ’s College in Christchurch, captaining the 1st XV and competing in the school rowing eight that won the Maadi Cup.

Darry was also named Canterbury Under-19 Player of the Year and selected for New Zealand Schools, while a planned appearance at the 2020 New Zealand Under-20 Rugby World Cup was curtailed by the pandemic.

Darry made his provincial debut for Canterbury in the 2020 Mitre-10 Cup, including a Ranfurly Shield defence against North Otago, before making the bold move north to Auckland to join the Blues. He debuted in Round 3 of Super Rugby Aotearoa against the Highlanders and steadily grew into a key figure in the Blues pack, particularly during Patrick Tuipulotu’s sabbatical in 2022.

Despite setbacks from injuries, Darry returned stronger each time, cementing a formidable lock partnership with Tuipulotu during the 2024 season. His clean lineout work, strong carries, and relentless work rate earned him recognition at the national level, leading to his All Blacks debut against Fiji in San Diego as injury cover for the England Tests.

Now an established young leader in the Blues pack, Darry combines physical dominance with tactical awareness and an evolving on-field voice. He continues to be a key figure in the forward pack and a player fans can expect to see make a significant impact in every game.

He is contracted with the Blues through until the end of the 2027 season.