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Cameron Suafoa to return to Blues in 2026 amid cancer rehab
By Ned Lester
The Blues have announced that Maori All Blacks flanker Cameron Suafoa will return to the squad in 2026 while continuing his cancer rehab.
The 27-year-old was told in March that the rare form of cancer he had previously suffered, Sarcoma, had reappeared, and another surgery would be needed to remove the new tumour.
Taking to social media in May, Suafoa updated fans with the bad news, saying, “Rugby is once again on the back burner for me this year”, while thanking friends, family, and the Blues for their support.
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“In March this year, I got the news nobody wants to hear, that my sarcoma is back,” Suafoa wrote.
“This last week, I’ve undergone a massive surgery to resect another tumour and gained some metalware in the process.
“Rugby is once again on the back burner for me this year, but I’ll always be backing @bluesrugbyteam and @harbourrugby.
“A massive thank you to Andy Johnston, Christine Goh and Alpesh Patel for their dedicated care throughout this process, as well as the @sarcomafoundationnz.
“I’m also incredibly grateful for all the support I have felt through this journey from my friends, family and the Blues.
“As always, health comes first and check on your people. In a bit xx”
Tuesday’s news that Suafoa was returning to the rugby fold in 2026 was met with a heartwarming response from fans online, who flooded the club’s post on social media with joyous comments.
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Suafoa was not initially named in the official Blues squad for 2026, nor the club’s Wdier Training Group, but the squad announcement did mention him.
“While medically unable to play, Cameron Suafoa remains an important part of the Blues this season,” the release said.
Suafoa was granted a medical dispensation to be involved in the 2026 season.
The Blues will also welcome back Ofa Tu’ungafasi in 2026, who played just the first four rounds of Super Rugby Pacific in 2025 before suffering a neck injury. All Black lock Sam Darry is also set for his first Super Rugby minutes since 2024’s final victory over the Chiefs, having been sidelined with a shoulder injury to begin 2025.
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