Blues lure another rising talent north from Highlanders

The Blues have signed halfback Nic Shearer for the 2027 season, luring the 23-year-old north after a stellar rookie season with the Highlanders.

The signing comes after the Blues announced the recruitment of Otago and Highlanders first-five Cam Millar last month, plugging the impending gap to be left by Stephen Perofeta when the All Black makes the move to Japan later this year.

The Blues have also recently re-signed halfback Taufa Funaki, while both Finlay Christie and Sam Nock are off contract at the end of this year.

Shearer, who had two seasons of NPC under his belt, one for Canterbury and one for Southland, when he made his Super Rugby debut this March, said he was thrilled to be heading to the City of Sails to be a part of incoming head coach Jason Holland’s game plan.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Blues for 2027. It’s a club with a great history, and I can’t wait to get up to Auckland and get stuck in with the squad,” he said.

“This is a huge opportunity for me. The Blues have a clear vision for how they want to play, and I want to be part of that going forward.”

The youngster ended his rookie Super Rugby Pacific campaign with three starts, including a try on debut, after replacing the injured Dylan Pledger in Jamie Joseph’s squad during pre-season.

Blues GM Rugby Murray Williams said Shearer’s signing was a big coup for the club as it enters a new era.

“Nic’s shown real growth over the last couple of seasons and we think he’ll add genuine competition and depth at halfback.

“We’re building depth across our spine for 2027, and Nic ticks a lot of boxes in his game management, kicking game and the way he directs a team around the park.”