Blues Captain Dalton Papali’i to Depart for France After 2026 Season

Auckland, Recent Zealand – Dalton Papali’i, captain of the Blues and a prominent loose forward for the All Blacks, has confirmed he will be leaving New Zealand rugby at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby season to join French Top 14 side Castres Olympique. The decision marks a significant shift for the 28-year-old, who has been a key figure for both the Blues and the national team.

A Difficult Decision

Papali’i, who debuted for the Blues in 2017, expressed the difficulty of the decision, stating it was “extremely tough” to depart the club and country he has represented with pride. “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. RNZ reports.

He emphasized the importance of the opportunity for his young family, noting that the timing felt right at this stage of his career. “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,” he added. RNZ.

Blues Career Highlights

Papali’i has been a stalwart for the Blues, amassing 98 caps for the franchise and scoring 100 points. He captained the side to their first Super Rugby championship in 20 years in 2024. He is on track to reach 100 caps during the round-three match against the Brumbies in Canberra. NZ Herald

All Blacks Representation

The loose forward has also represented the All Blacks 37 times since his debut in 2019, scoring 40 points from eight tries. Though, his playing time with the national side diminished in 2025, appearing in only one Test match while also featuring for the All Blacks XV. RNZ. A move offshore will render him ineligible for future All Blacks selection.

Club and NZ Rugby Respond

Blues General Manager of Rugby, Murray Williams, praised Papali’i’s contribution to the organization. “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.” NZ Herald

Looking Ahead

Papali’i remains fully committed to the Blues for the remainder of the 2026 Super Rugby season. He intends to finish his time with the club “the right way,” continuing to give his all to the team and its supporters. RNZ. His departure marks the end of an era for the Blues and New Zealand rugby, as one of its prominent players embarks on a new chapter in his career.