Breakout North Harbour star earns 'dream' Blues deal

The Blues have snapped up one of the breakout stars of the 2026 NPC season, signing North Harbour’s Rory Taylor to a two-year deal.

Three straight North Harbour Premier competition titles earned Taylor a shot with his hometown NPC club, which had ended the 2025 campaign dead last. A remarkable 2026 resurgence, aided by Taylor’s talents, saw Harbour finish fourth in the round robin.

The Rosmini College product has been one of the most devastating wingers in the competition throughout 11 starts for Harbour, including a two-try showing in the recent quarter-final loss to Taranaki. That effort brought the 24-year-old’s season try tally to seven. He also finished the campaign with the second-most clean breaks and metres made, and the fourth-most defenders beaten.

Those figures have impressed new Blues head coach Jason Holland, who is expected to empower the club’s attack after two more forward-oriented seasons under Vern Cotter. The contract caps a whirlwind few months for the youngster.

“To be honest, I didn’t think I’d be sitting here at this point of my life. I was a property valuer beforehand, and even playing NPC this season was a bit of a surprise, but it’s been a dream of mine to play for the Blues ever since I was a young kid and I’m so excited for the opportunity,” Taylor said.

“I’m looking forward to coming in and learning off everyone. There’s some really experienced Super Rugby players there so I’m going to learn as much as I can and keep pushing myself. I’m stoked to have been given this opportunity and I just want to rip in.”

Blues GM Rugby Murray Williams said Taylor was fully deserving of his opportunity with the club and was pleased to see another local success story walk into Blues HQ.

“Rory’s had a fantastic year with North Harbour. He’s got real pace, he’s a natural finisher, and he works hard off the ball,” he said.

“He’s a great example of what the pathway in our region can do. Rory came through Rosmini, played for the Blues at Under 18 level, and has done the hard yards in club rugby with North Shore before getting his chance with Harbour.

“It’s really pleasing to be able to bring a local player like him into our environment, and we’re looking forward to seeing him develop with us in 2027.”