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Ofa Tuungafasi becomes the first All Blacks to re-sign with NZR beyond the 2023 World Cup
All Blacks and Blues prop Ofa Tuungafasi has signed a new contract with New Zealand Rugby [NZR] and the Blues, it was announced on Wednesday.
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In what is a major re-signing, Tuungafasi will stay in New Zealand until 2024, which makes him the first All Black to reconfirm his allegiance to New Zealand beyond the 2023 World Cup.
The 28 year old, who this month is set to become the Blues’ seventh centurion, said he was excited to continue playing in New Zealand.
“Myself and my family love it here. It’s our home and our extended families are here,” Tuungafasi said.
“I am a Blues player through-and-through. I love the club and the people. We are developing something special on and off the field at the club and I want to be part of it for the next few years.
“I am also blessed to have played for New Zealand at one Rugby World Cup and will be doing everything in my power to play in the next one and hopefully help the All Blacks bring the trophy back home.”
Chris Lendrum, New Zealand Rugby’s general manager professional rugby and performance, said re-signing Tuungafasi was significant for NZR.
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“Ofa has been a huge asset for both the Blues and All Blacks in recent seasons, is a growing leader amongst our players, and is hugely respected by all,” he said.
“Ofa epitomises our values – he’s humble, professional and driven to be the best he can be, on and off the field. To know he has recommitted to New Zealand is huge for us.
“We congratulate Ofa, his wife Emma and their family and are delighted with their decision.”
Blues head coach Leon MacDonald said he was also delighted that Tuungafasi would remain at the club for another four years.
“On the field, Ofa is our anchor. He might be a quietly spoken person but his actions in terms of work ethic, professionalism and high-quality performances every day resonate loudly around this place,” said MacDonald.
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“He currently leads a group of All Black props who all share information and push each other to develop into better players.
“Ofa is a wonderful person, a devout family man and someone who we are very proud to work with every day.”
Tuungafasi will play his 99th game for the Blues if selected for this Sunday’s Super Rugby Aotearoa game against the Crusaders at Eden Park.
– New Zealand Rugby
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
41 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
41 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
41 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
41 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
41 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
41 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
41 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
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