Beauden Barrett’s Return Reinforces Blues’ Super Rugby Title Defence
The Blues’ Super Rugby championship defence has been boosted by the return of All Blacks star Beauden Barrett.
Barrett’s Return the Most Significant Addition to the Blues Squad
Although technically not a new signing, the return of the 132-test All Black from a one-year sabbatical stands out as the most notable addition.
Barrett spent the 2024 season playing in Japan and watched from the stands at Eden Park as the Blues claimed their first championship in 21 years.
Blues Thrived Without Barrett, But His Reintroduction Will Be Intriguing
The Blues thrived without him last season, so it will be intriguing to see how coach Vern Cotter reintroduces Barrett into a squad that also includes All Blacks playmakers Harry Plummer and Stephen Perofeta.
Lucas Cashmore Departs for Hurricanes After Barrett’s Return
Youngster Lucas Cashmore has been squeezed out by Barrett’s return, and was immediately snapped up by the Hurricanes.
Akira Ioane and Bryce Heem Depart, Leaving Key Gaps in the Blues Squad
Flanker Akira Ioane is the biggest out from last season’s winning squad, heading to Japan to play for Kintetsu Liners.
They have also suffered a significant injury blow, losing veteran midfielder Bryce Heem to a season-ending wrist injury.
Exciting New Signings: Payton Spencer and Che Clark Join the Blues
Among the Blues’ promising new signings are Payton Spencer, son of Blues icon Carlos Spencer, and Che Clark, a standout from the All Blacks Sevens team.
Blues 2025 Squad Roster
Props: Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu’a, PJ Sheck, Ben Ake
Hookers: Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, James Mullan
Locks: Laghlan McWhannell, Cameron Christie, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre
Loose forwards: Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Che Clark
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki
First five-eighths: Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Beauden Barrett
Midfielders: Xavi Taele, Corey Evans, Meihana Grindlay, Rieko Ioane
Outside backs: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Payton Spencer, Reon Paul, Cole Forbes
Ins: Ben Ake, Cameron Christie, Che Clark, Beauden Barrett, Xavi Taele, Payton Spencer, Reon Paul
Outs: Soane Vikena, James Thompson, Akira Ioane, Rob Rush, Lucas Cashmore, Bryce Heem, Kade Banks, Caleb Tangitau
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