"I love this club" - All Blacks star confirms Blues exit - heads to France at end of season

Monday, 16 February 2026 at 15:03

byTom Sansom

The Blues can confirm Dalton Papali'i will depart the club following the 2026 Super Rugby season to take up an opportunity with French Top 14 team Castres Olympique. Papali’i, one of the proudest Blues men to wear the jersey since making his debut in 2017, said the decision was extremely tough to make, but the timing felt right at this stage of his career.

Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.

“This club means everything to me. I grew up dreaming of wearing the Blues jersey and representing my country. I’ve been lucky enough to live that dream for a long time,” Papali’i said.

“The Blues gave me my chance, backed me, and helped me become the player and person I am. This was a really hard decision, but the opportunity in France is something that works well for where I’m at in my career with my young family.

“I’m fully committed to finishing my time here the right way. I love this club, the people, and our supporters, and I’ll keep giving everything I’ve got into the season ahead.”

Blues GM Rugby Murray Williams acknowledged Papali’i’s immense contribution, noting his leadership, professionalism and connection to the club’s values. “Dalton embodies everything it means to be a Blues man,” Williams said. “We’re proud of what he’s achieved here, and will continue to support him and his family as he takes on this next chapter. This club will always be his home.”

Papali’i (98 games) is on track to become a Blues centurion during Round 3’s match against the Brumbies in Canberra.

5 QUICK FACTS: DALTON PAPALI'I

1. Blues stalwart with high work rate: Papali’i has made 97 Super Rugby Pacific appearances for the Blues, scoring 100 points from the back row — an impressive return for a forward.

2. High‑impact defender: In the most recent season he recorded 208 tackles, the most of any Blues player and second‑highest in Super Rugby Pacific overall. (

3. Junior world champion: He was part of New Zealand’s winning side at the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship, showcasing his ability from an early age.

4. Blues captaincy experience: Papali’i has captained the Blues in Super Rugby under coach Leon MacDonald, leading the team to a final and a semi‑final in consecutive seasons.

5. NPC contributor: Beyond Super Rugby, he also plays for Counties Manukau, where his leadership helped the side to a rare playoff push after a slow start.