Eli Oudenryn: 'It's always been a dream since I was a kid'

Oudenryn, who added impact for Cotter’s side in the second half at FMG Stadium Waikato, could have had a second try of the game late on in the contest, but referee Angus Gardner ruled that the ball was held up over the line.

The hooker was busy in his short stint after replacing James Mullan, showcasing his powerful ball-carrying ability and strong work ethic around the field.

Cotter, who gave the 20-year-old his debut, said Oudenryn has been working hard in camp and deserved his opportunity.

“So, you know, it’s a good start for the young man.”

The 20-year-old hooker has worked his way through the grades since coming out of the Crusaders’ academy, where he won the Sir John Graham Trophy for the Super Rugby U20 Player of the Season back in 2025, after an impressive tournament in Taupo.

At The Rugby Championship U20 competition and the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia, Oudenryn played five games for the New Zealand side, alongside the likes of Rico Simpson, Stanley Solomon, Manumaua Letiu, Dylan Pledger, and Cooper Roberts.

Oudenryn signed a contract with the Blues at the start of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, a couple of months after representing his region, Tasman, in the Bunnings NPC competition.

The young hooker said the pace and physicality of the Chiefs contest shocked him, but the opportunity was a dream come true.

“Yeah, no, it’s very special. It’s always been a dream since I was a kid, so good to tick that off. Game is so different, so fast, so physical. It’s good to get out there, though.

“Boys make it easy for me, training with them all week, so they prepare me really well. VC [Cotter] knows what’s expected of us. So, yeah, just got to go out there and execute my role.

With Bradley Slater returning from injury next week against the Crusaders, Oudenryn’s position in the 23-man squad isn’t guaranteed, but the abrasive hooker is focused on whatever his role may be.

“We’ve got Baggins [Slater] back next week, so yeah, I’ll just do what I can to help prepare and be ready to go, but yeah, it’ll be pretty special down there in the new stadium, so it’ll be a good one.”