All Blacks and Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby through to 2028.
The Blues skipper’s new deal takes him beyond the next men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.
The 51-test forward is an established member of Scott Robertson’s locks, alongside All Blacks captain Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa’i.
He made his test debut in 2014 and is likely to feature in the All Blacks’ home series against France in July.
All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan says Tuipulotu brings a wealth of experience and a calm, commanding presence that lifts the standard of everyone around him.
Tuipulotu started in the second row with Barrett when the All Blacks finished last season with a 29-11 win against Italy in Turn.
To sneak into the play-offs in the final round, the defending champions need to win and hope Moana Pasifika fail to beat the Hurricanes in Wellington.
The Blues face the Waratahs at 4.35pm Saturday.
In other matches, the Highlanders will meet the Chiefs at 7.05pm tomorrow, the Brumbies play the Crusaders at 9.35pm tomorrow, the Hurricanes will take on the Moana Pasifika at 7.05pm Saturday while the Swire Shipping Fdijian Drua face the Reds at 9.35pm Saturday.
Source: Stuff.co
