Pita Ahki reflects on Blues return after eight years abroad

When Toulouse midfielder Pita Ahki was offered a move back home, in Auckland, at the Blues, he knew it was the right move for him and his family.

Ahki, who played 13 times for the Blues in the 2014-15 Super Rugby season, has spent the last six years at Toulouse in France, where he made over 130 appearances for the successful French club.

Toulouse have also had the services of Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos, and Romain Ntamack to name a few throughout their recent years, where they have won five Top 14 championships and two European titles.

Ahki’s return could fill a gap for Vern Cotter’s side, after their 88-Test centre and All Black veteran, Rieko Ioane, decided to take a short playing sabbatical at Leinster in Ireland for the 2026 season.

The seven-Test Tongan midfielder will be joined by a couple of young midfielders in their position group for 2026, including the likes of Xavi Taele, James Cameron, and AJ Lam.

Speaking to media in Auckland this week, Ahki explains it’s been good to be back in New Zealand after a long-stint in France.

“It’s good to be back, like you said, after seven, eight years abroad in Europe, yes, good to come back to nice weather for once, I’ve always come here while it’s winter and everyone’s working, so it’s nice for change,” Ahki said.

“I guess, just obviously born and bred in the 09, in Auckland, the Blues was always my team growing up, just watching the likes of Eroni Clarke and all those legends.

“My kids are getting older, we want to put them through New Zealand schools…Toulouse has a quality team and they have guys to replace me.”

Returning to a team that he cares so much about, Ahki believes that his experience will be cool for the young players, not only in the midfield, but for everyone in the squad.

“I’ve come back a lot older, with a few grey hairs, but I come back with experience. I’m not here to change too much, but give what I can to this team. That’s special to me.”

Following the Blues’ announcement of Ioane’s move to Leinster, where All Blacks vice-captain Jordie Barrett had spent a season, the Blues then reached out to Ahki to start discussing options about bringing him back to Auckland.

“I think that’s why the conversation started. We knew that Rieko was going and the Blues obviously knew that he was going for a sabbatical.

“The opportunity was there [after Ioane’s move], and I knew there are already some players here that could put their hands up. I’m here to help where I can,” Ahki said.