Five-time Top 14 champion Pita Ahki inks deal with hometown Blues

Pita Ahki has called time on a superbly successful Top 14 career with Toulouse, with the next chapter in his rugby journey to be a homecoming with the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific.

The Auckland product played a baker’s dozen of games with his hometown team after a 2014 debut, but after managing just one appearance for the Hurricanes in the 2017 season, he opted for a move north. One season at Connacht was followed by a fruitful seven years in France.

The midfield star said a return to the City of Sails wasn’t on his radar when assessing his options moving forward, and it was a pleasant surprise when the Blues came calling.

The 33-year-old said there wasn’t any other Super Rugby team he would come back to, but the chance to represent his home region was something special.

“I’m really excited to be coming home, back to where my rugby journey first started,” Ahki said. “It means a lot to return with my family after our time in France, and I’m looking forward to bringing those experiences with me and contributing on and off the field.”

Ahki’s arrival on a two-year deal coincides with Rieko Ioane’s sabbatical season with Leinster, Mark Tele’a’s departure for Toyota Verblitz, and Bryce Heem’s retirement.

The Blues’ new GM, Murray Williams, was excited to welcome a proven winner back to the club.

“Pita’s a world-class midfielder with immense experience in Europe, and he’s also one of our own who grew up in Auckland and started his professional journey here,” he said.

“To have him back in Blues colours bringing that leadership and winning mentality is exciting for our squad.”