2017 SQUAD GUIDE - WordPress.com fileBLUES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE | 3 FORWARDS PROPS Charlie Faumuina Alex Hodgman Sione Mafileo Pauliasi Manu Sam Prattley Ofa Tu’ungafasi

2017 SQUAD GUIDE

28 Campbell CrescentEpsom

PO Box 77012Mt AlbertAuckland 1350www.theblues.co.nz

www.theblues.co.nzfacebook.com/thebluestwitter.com/BluesRugbyTeam

Player information is current as at 31 October 2016

BLUES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE | 3

FORWARDS

PROPSCharlie Faumuina Alex HodgmanSione MafileoPauliasi ManuSam PrattleyOfa Tu’ungafasi

HOOKERSHame Faiva Matt MouldsJames Parsons

LOCKSGerard Cowley-Tuioti Josh GoodhueBrandon Nansen Scott ScraftonPatrick Tu’ipulotuJimmy Tupou

LOOSE FORWARDSBlake GibsonAkira IoaneJerome Kaino Steven LuatuaKara PryorMurphy Taramai

BACKS

HALFBACKSBilly GuytonSam NockAugustine Pulu

FIRST FIVE-EIGHTHSPiers FrancisIhaia West

MIDFIELD BACKSMichael CollinsTJ FaianeGeorge MoalaRene RangerMatt VaegaSonny Bill Williams

OUTSIDE BACKSMatt DuffieRieko IoaneMelani NanaiDeclan O’Donnell Stephen PerofetaJordan Trainor

COACHES

HEAD COACHTana Umaga

ASSISTANT COACHESAlistair RogersSteve JacksonDavid Ellis

THE 2017 BLUES

4 | BLUES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

TANA UMAGA | HEAD COACHBlues Coaching Debut: 2016

Other Coaching Roles: RC ToulonnaisCounties Manukau SteelersChiefs development team

Centurion for Wellington and Hurricanes & 74 caps for All Blacks including captaincy. Player-coach and head coach at Toulon, back to coach at Counties Manukau with success, and Assistant coach for NZU20 and Maori All Blacks. Took over Blues in 2016.“We made some progress in 2016 and have some experienced players coming home to play for us this year. We want to start where we left off, and improve in every game.”

ALISTAIR ROGERS | ASSISTANT COACHBlues Coaching Debut: 2016 Welsh-born former player who moved into coaching in Ireland

and Japan. Moved to NZ & Hurricanes & became All Blacks analyst for 7 year, specialising in opposition analysis and defence. He moved back to coaching with the Blues in 2016 with responsibility for defence.“The 2016 season was a learning curve and the made significant change in our defensive patterns. We need to take this to a further level again in 2017 as the cornerstone of our game.”

STEVE JACKSON | ASSISTANT COACHBlues Coaching Debut: 2015 Steve joins the Blues as the forwards coach after outstanding two

years with North Harbour. Played for NZ Schools and NZ Maoris, plus Tasman, Auckland, North Harbour and Southland. Moved to successful coaching stints in Nelson, Tasman, Counties Manukau and then North Harbour, & has been Blues Development coach for 3 years. “I’ve worked closely inside the Blues organisation for over two years and think I have a clear understanding of the direction the club is moving and the tremendous work that has been done to make change in the organisation as a whole.”

DAVE ELLIS | SKILLS COACHBlues Coaching Debut: 2016 Dave is a highly respected coach around the globe, who has

specialised in skills coaching. He played around the world and then has also had coaching contracts both in NZ for the Int Rugby Academy and several countries. He returns home after his involvement at Connacht in Ireland where they win the Pro 12 title for first time.

COACHING TEAM


CHARLIE FAUMUINAPOSITION: PropPHYSICAL: 1.84m, 131kgDATE OF BIRTH: 24.12.86 in Auckland

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 86SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 25 (5t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2009 v Sharks in Auckland

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 49PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v Counties Manukau in Auckland

TEST CAPS: 42TEST POINTS: 10 (2t)TEST DEBUT: 2012 v Argentina in Auckland

THE BLUES SAY...Influential leader, dominant physically but with speed and ball handling skills in the front row. Blues debut in 2009 and All Blacks since 2012. Charlie has 86 caps for the Blues and closing in on 50 caps for the All Blacks.

ALEX HODGMANPOSITION: Prop PHYSICAL: 1.96m, 122kg DATE OF BIRTH: 16.7.93

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 9: SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Chiefs in Hamilton

PROVINCE: CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS: 33PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland in Christchurch

TEST CAPS: 0TEST POINTS: N/ATEST DEBUT: N/A

THE BLUES SAY...Big, athletic Auckland prop (196cm, 122kg) who played for Fiji U20 in 2012 and NZ U20 in 2013 before moving to the Crusaders. He is a key contributor for Canterbury but returning home – with a big future.

SIONE MAFILEOPOSITION: PropPHYSICAL: 1.78m, 123kgDATE OF BIRTH: 14.4.93

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 9SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Crusaders in Albany

PROVINCE: North HarbourPROVINCIAL CAPS: 25PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Southland in Albany


THE BLUES SAY...North Harbour prop is NZ Schools in 2011 and NZU20 in 2013, making Blues debut in 2015.St Kentigern College recruit played 8 times for the Blues in 2015, and impressed in the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup.

PAULIASI MANUPOSITION: Prop PHYSICAL: 1.84m, 115kg DATE OF BIRTH: 23.12.87 in Tonga

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 54: SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2011 v Waratahs in Auckland

PROVINCE: Counties ManukauPROVINCIAL CAPS: 74PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Poverty Bay (Auckland) in Gisborne


THE BLUES SAY...Pauliasi played for the Blues 2011-2012 before an injury replacement for Chiefs led to 49 caps over four years and a regular for Counties Manukau. Injury cover call-up for 2015 All Blacks World Cup now back home to Auckland. Strong scrummager and open field runner.


SAM PRATTLEYPOSITION: Prop PHYSICAL: 1.94m, 114kg DATE OF BIRTH: 16.1.90

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 34SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Crusaders in Christchurch

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 62PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Wellington (Tasman) in Wellington


THE BLUES SAY...Sam played for NZU20 and debuted for Tasman in 2010 before moving to the Blues in 2013 after stints with the Crusaders and Highlanders. The mobile prop has 33 caps for the Blues and was club player of the year in 2016.

OFA TU’UNGAFASIPOSITION: Prop PHYSICAL: 1.95m, 122kg DATE OF BIRTH: 19.4.92 in Tonga

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 42: SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Hurricanes in Auckland

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 41PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Hawke’s Bay in Napier

TEST CAPS: 2TEST POINTS: 0TEST DEBUT: 2016 v Wales in Dunedin

THE BLUES SAY...Ofa, quiet-spoken front rower, is NZ Schools & NZU20 player who earned his All Black debut this year. Hard-working prop played all but one game for Blues in last two season. Known for work for community groups off the field.

EPALAHAME FAIVAPOSITION: HookerPHYSICAL: 1.81m, 108kgDATE OF BIRTH: 9.5.94

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 0SUPER RUGBY POINTS: N/ASUPER RUGBY DEBUT: N/A

PROVINCE: WaikatoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 34PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Horowhenua Kapiti in Morrinsville


THE BLUES SAY...Hame is a young Auckland hooker who learned the game at Wesley College, Played NZU20 in 2013 & 2014. Played for Counties Manukau, Waikato U20 and NZU20 (2013-2014). He played 35 times for Waikato as a skilful and mobile hooker.

MATT MOULDSPOSITION: Hooker PHYSICAL: 1.88m, 108kg DATE OF BIRTH: 15.5.91

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 4SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Stormers in Cape Town

PROVINCE: NorthlandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 34PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Southland in Whangarei


THE BLUES SAY...Big, smart hooker from Northland was NZ Sevens rep in 2014, moving to Blues 2015 and debut. He has learned his trade behind Keven Mealamu and James Parsons, captain of Northland 2015-2016. Big future on and off field.


JAMES PARSONSPOSITION: Hooker PHYSICAL: 1.85m, 108kg DATE OF BIRTH: 27.11.86 in Palmerston North

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 64: SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 25 (5t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2012 v Highlanders in Dunedin

PROVINCE: North HarbourPROVINCIAL CAPS: 82PROVINCIAL POINTS: 70 (14t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v Wellington in Wellington

TEST CAPS: 2TEST POINTS: 0TEST DEBUT: 2014 v Scotland in Edinburgh

THE BLUES SAY...James has played 80 times for North Harbour and a Blues regular since 2012 who works tirelessly. He played twice for All Blacks in 2014 and 2016. He was outstanding in 2016 as Blues captain and voted MVP.

GERARD COWLEY-TUIOTIPOSITION: Lock PHYSICAL: 1.96m, 112kgDATE OF BIRTH: 16.6.92

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 1SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies in Auckland

PROVINCE: North HarbourPROVINCIAL CAPS: 27PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Manawatu in Albany


THE BLUES SAY...A standout for the Blues Development, Gerard was called into 2015 Blues for training cover and earned a fulltime place in 2016. He enjoyed a strong season for North Harbour this year to secure his place in the Blues. Physical and mobile second rower.

JOSH GOODHUEPOSITION: LockPHYSICAL: 1.99m, 115kgDATE OF BIRTH: 13.6.95


PROVINCE: NorthlandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 13PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Hawke’s Bay in Napier


THE BLUES SAY...From Kawakawa, Josh played for NZ Schools and NZU20, alongside twin brother. He returned from Lincoln University to Northland. He is an imposing figure at 1.99m and 115kg at lock, with twin a midfielder now with Crusaders.

BRANDON NANSENPOSITION: LockPHYSICAL: 1.97m, 117kgDATE OF BIRTH: 3.11.93


PROVINCE: North HarbourPROVINCIAL CAPS: 27PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Auckland in Auckland


THE BLUES SAY...Brandon played for NZ Schools and Auckland age before moving to North Harbour in 2014. He graduated from Blues Development to full squad as a 117kg, 197cm aggressive and mobile lock/loose forward.


SCOTT SCRAFTONPOSITION: LockPHYSICAL: 2.00m, 114kgDATE OF BIRTH: 18.4.93

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 1SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Waratahs in Auckland

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 22PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Northland in Auckland


THE BLUES SAY...A St Kentigern College graduate who played for NZ Schools and NZ U20. Young 2m tall player has chance to step into boots of Josh Bekhuis after being understudy in 2016. Outstanding season for Auckland in Mitre 10 Cup.

PATRICK TU’IPULOTUPOSITION: Lock PHYSICAL: 1.98m, 125kg DATE OF BIRTH: 23.1.93 in Auckland

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 34: SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 25 (5t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Highlanders in Dunedin

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 14PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v North Harbour in Auckland

TEST CAPS: 10TEST POINTS: 5 (1t)TEST DEBUT: 2014 v England in Christchurch

THE BLUES SAY...Big young lock with outstanding skills, already playing 34 times for the Blues and an All Black since 2015. He missed the World Cup due to injury but back to his block-busting best. Former NZ Schools and NZ U20 rep.

JIMMY TUPOUPOSITION: Lock PHYSICAL: 1.96m, 109kg DATE OF BIRTH: 8.8.92

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 37SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Waratahs (Crusaders) in Christchurch

PROVINCE: Counties ManukauPROVINCIAL CAPS: 49PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Southland in Pukekohe


THE BLUES SAY...Pukekohe-born lock/loosie played for NZU20 in 2012, a regular member of Counties Manukau since and co-captain in 2016. He moved to Crusaders with nearly 40 Super caps to his credit before returning home to add much experience to the Blues.

BLAKE GIBSONPOSITION: Loose forward PHYSICAL: 1.86m, 103kg DATE OF BIRTH: 19.4.95 in Auckland

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 13SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Highlanders in Dunedin

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 12PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Canterbury in Christchurch


THE BLUES SAY...Blake is a schools leader, NZU20 star in 2015, making Blues debut in 2016 where he made a huge impression at loose forward. He was sidelined for injury for much of Super season. Huge future.


AKIRA IOANEPOSITION: Number 8PHYSICAL: 1.94m, 113kgDATE OF BIRTH: 16.1.95

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 17SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Chiefs in Albany

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 21PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Southland in Invercargill


THE BLUES SAY...The strapping loose forward debuted for the Blues in 2015. NZ Schools and NZU20 rep se-lected for NZ Sevens as a teenager since 2014 as a stand-out, playing at the Rio Olympics. He is big, extraordinarily fast and powerful loose forward.

JEROME KAINOPOSITION: Loose forwardPHYSICAL: 1.96m, 109kgDATE OF BIRTH: 6.4.83 in Tutuila, American Samoa

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 118SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 70 (14t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2004 v Reds in Brisbane

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 54PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2004 v Poverty Bay in Auckland

TEST CAPS: 75TEST POINTS: 60 (12t)TEST DEBUT: 2006 v Ireland in Hamilton

THE BLUES SAY...Jerome is the gladiator of the Blues and All Blacks, a leader by deeds rather than words – a Blues centurion and 80 caps for the All Blacks. A key contributor to both 2011 and 2015 World Cup victories, he is a big, fast, uncompromising loose forward.

STEVEN LUATUAPOSITION: Lock / Loose forward PHYSICAL: 1.96m, 115kg DATE OF BIRTH: 29.4.91 in Auckland

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 63SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 35 (7t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2012 v Lions in Auckland

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 31PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Canterbury in Auckland

TEST CAPS: 14TEST POINTS: 5 (1t)TEST DEBUT: 2013 v France in New Plymouth

THE BLUES SAY...Steven is big, fast and extraordinarily skilful – at loose forward or lock. He played NZ Schools, NZU20 & Auckland in 2010. Debut for Blues was in 2011 (2nd year NZU20) and All Blacks in 2012 (14 caps). Top form in 2016 led to AB recall.

KARA PRYORPOSITION: FlankerPHYSICAL: 1.89m, 105kgDATE OF BIRTH: 2.4.91

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 13SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 10 (2t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Highlanders in Auckland

PROVINCE: NorthlandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 29PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Manawatu in Whangarei


THE BLUES SAY...Popular young loose forward played for Auckland before returning home to Northland. Speed and flare saw him graduate from Development team to Blues full contract in 2016 where he impressed playing in 13 of the 15 games.


MURPHY TARAMAIPOSITION: Number 8PHYSICAL: 1.86m, 100kgDATE OF BIRTH: 17.8.92


PROVINCE: North HarbourPROVINCIAL CAPS: 13PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Taranaki (Wellington) in Wellington


THE BLUES SAY...Upper Hutt player returned from a rugby league stint at Australia and changed to rugby. Impressed at Sevens for Wellington and NZ before moving to 15s with North Harbour where he made big impression as a loose forward.

BILLY GUYTONPOSITION: HalfbackPHYSICAL: 1.86m, 92kgDATE OF BIRTH: 17.3.90 in Timaru

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 16SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 10 (2t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Waratahs (Hurricanes)

PROVINCE: TasmanPROVINCIAL CAPS: 71PROVINCIAL POINTS: 155 (14t, 20c, 15p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Southland (North Otago)


THE BLUES SAY...South Canterbury rugby nomad who has played for North Otago, Tasman Makos, Hurricanes, Crusaders and back to Tasman. He moved to the Blues in 2016, often with the important closing role. Outstanding team contributor.

SAM NOCKPOSITION: HalfbackPHYSICAL: 1.75m, 85kgDATE OF BIRTH: 18.6.96

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 1SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Hurricanes in Auckland

PROVINCE: NorthlandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 17PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Hawke’s Bay in Napier


THE BLUES SAY...Sam is a NZ Schools and NZU20 (2015-2016) halfback, who captained St Kentigern. He returned to play for Northland & moved to Blues Wider Training in 2016 making his debut vs Hurricanes. Excellent Mitre 10 Cup season for Taniwhas.

AUGUSTINE PULUPOSITION: Halfback PHYSICAL: 1.80m, 89kg DATE OF BIRTH: 4.1.90 in Otahuhu

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 51SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 30 (6t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2012 v Blues (Chiefs) in Hamilton

PROVINCE: Counties ManukauPROVINCIAL CAPS: 66PROVINCIAL POINTS: 60 (12t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v Bay of Plenty in Pukekohe

TEST CAPS: 2TEST POINTS: 0TEST DEBUT: 2014 v USA in Chicago

THE BLUES SAY...The Auckland-born halfback has played for Counties Manukau since 2010 and the Chiefs from 2013. He moved to Sevens and played in the Rio Olympics. A strong running, passing and defensive player - a major acquisition.


PIERS FRANCISPOSITION: First five-eighthPHYSICAL: 1.82m, 92kgDATE OF BIRTH: 20.6.90

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 11SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 41 (1t, 12c, 4p)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Jaguares in Albany

PROVINCE: Counties ManukauPROVINCIAL CAPS: 36PROVINCIAL POINTS: 174 (2t, 34c, 31p, 1d)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Canterbury (Auckland) in Auckland


THE BLUES SAY...Piers is an English-born inside back who has played at Saracens and Edinburgh. He played for Counties Manukau in 2015 and Rookie of the Year at the Blues in 2016, playing 11 times. At home at first-five or midfield.

IHAIA WESTPOSITION: First five-eighthPHYSICAL: 1.75m, 84kgDATE OF BIRTH: 16.1.92

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 37SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 286 (7t, 46c, 53p)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Reds in Auckland

PROVINCE: Hawke’s BayPROVINCIAL CAPS: 54PROVINCIAL POINTS: 565 (15t, 105c, 93p, 2d)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Counties Manukau in Napier


THE BLUES SAY...Ihaia, from Hawkes Bay, played for NZU20 & Maori All Blacks. Injury cover for Blues in 2014, he impressed to earn permanent place and 37 caps. He played in every game in 2016, scored 135 points and developed into strong allround player.

MICHAEL COLLINSPOSITION: Midfield backPHYSICAL: 1.86m, 99kgDATE OF BIRTH: 3.6.93


PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 43PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Southland in Balclutha


THE BLUES SAY...Queenstown-born player moved to Dunedin for schooling, selected for NZ Schools in 2011 and Otago 2012.Played NZU20 in 2013 and 32 times for Otago. He is a complete utility who can play midfield, wing or fullback.

TJ FAIANEPOSITION: Midfield backPHYSICAL: 1.75m, 92kgDATE OF BIRTH: 24.10.95


PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 7PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Bay of Plenty in Rotorua


THE BLUES SAY...TJ is a former NZ Schools and NZU20 (2014-2015) he has suffered two ACL injuries, which sidelined him in 2015 and 2016. He is a tremendous midfield talent who will be looking to make his Super Rugby debut this year.


GEORGE MOALAPOSITION: Wing PHYSICAL: 1.88m, 99kg DATE OF BIRTH: 5.11.90

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 53: SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 85 (17t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2012 v Sharks in Auckland

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 46PROVINCIAL POINTS: 135 (27t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Otago in Auckland

TEST CAPS: 3TEST POINTS: 10 (2t)TEST DEBUT: 2015 v Samoa in Apia

THE BLUES SAY...George worked through grades before his Auckland debut in 2011 & Blues in 2012, earning his 50th cap in 2016. Quietly-spoken off the field and a block-busting midfield/wing on field, he made his All Blacks debut in 2015 with 2 more games in 2016.

RENE RANGERPOSITION: Centre PHYSICAL: 1.85m, 101kg DATE OF BIRTH: 30.9.86

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 71SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 130 (26t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2009 v Force

PROVINCE: NorthlandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 65PROVINCIAL POINTS: 75 (15t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2006 v North Harbour

TEST CAPS: 6TEST POINTS: 5 (1t)TEST DEBUT: 2010 v Wales

THE BLUES SAY...A dynamic back with flare who returned from France to re-join the Blues last year, Rene suffered a season-ending injury but expected to provide real thrust in 2017. Played for NZ Sevens, has 71 Blues’ caps and six caps for All Blacks.

MATT VAEGAPOSITION: Midfield BackPHYSICAL: 1.78m, 94kgDATE OF BIRTH: 07.09.94

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 5SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Hurricanes in Auckland

PROVINCE: North HarbourPROVINCIAL CAPS: 27PROVINCIAL POINTS: 42 (6t, 3c, 2p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Manawatu in Albany


THE BLUES SAY...Matt and father To’o are first father-and-son to play for the Blues. Former NZ Schools star played five times for Blues in 2015 & 2016. Strong running and excellent defence for North Harbour in Mitre 10 Cup led to his selection.

SONNY BILL WILLIAMSPOSITION: Midfield backPHYSICAL: 1.91m, 108kgDATE OF BIRTH: 3.8.85

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 42SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 55 (11t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2011 v Waratahs (Crusaders) in Nelson

PROVINCE: Counties ManukauPROVINCIAL CAPS: 9PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Bay of Plenty (Canterbury) in Christchurch

TEST CAPS: 33TEST POINTS: 45 (9t)TEST DEBUT: 2010 v England in Twickenham

THE BLUES SAY...Sonny has returned to Auckland and the Blues until 2019. Rugby league superstar, moved to rugby and the All Blacks for 2011 RWC win. Then returned to win NRL title with the Roosters, and back to rugby for 2015 RWC win. He played for NZ Sevens at Rio.


MATT DUFFIEPOSITION: Wing / FullbackPHYSICAL: 1.92m, 95kgDATE OF BIRTH: 16.8.90

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 7SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 10 (2t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Crusaders in Christchurch

PROVINCE: North HarbourPROVINCIAL CAPS: 11PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Counties Manukau in Albany


THE BLUES SAY...The former league professional at Melbourne Storm returned to Auckland last year. By end of season was a regular on the wing and played well for North Harbour in 2016. Fast, hard-working with excellent aerial skills on the wing or fullback.

RIEKO IOANEPOSITION: WingPHYSICAL: 1.88m, 103kgDATE OF BIRTH: 18.3.97 in Auckland

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 5SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 10 (2)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Reds in Brisbane

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 15PROVINCIAL POINTS: 60 (12t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Taranaki in Auckland


THE BLUES SAY...The strapping loose forward debuted for the Blues in 2015. NZ Schools and NZU20 rep selected for NZ Sevens as a teenager since 2014 as a stand-out, playing at the Rio Olympics. He is big, extraordinarily fast and powerful loose forward.

DECLAN O’DONNELLPOSITION: WingPHYSICAL: 1.88m, 94kgDATE OF BIRTH: 28.11.90


PROVINCE: TaranakiPROVINCIAL CAPS: 38PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Southland (Waikato) in Invercargill


THE BLUES SAY...Former Sevens star who has played for the Chiefs and Highlanders. Curtailed by injury for last two years, he impressed for Taranaki on wing this year to earn call-up to Blues.

MALANI NANAIPOSITION: Wing PHYSICAL: 1.94m, 93kg DATE OF BIRTH: 3.8.93

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 24SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 40 (8t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Cheetahs in Bloemfontein

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 17PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Bay of Plenty in Rotorua


THE BLUES SAY...Melani was a Samoa U20 rep in 2013 who emerged from Manukau club to Auckland in 2014 and Blues in 2015. Found home at fullback with Tana Umaga in 2016 with some brilliant running and strong aerial skills. Huge future.


STEPHEN PEROFETAPOSITION: FullbackPHYSICAL: 1.81m, 85kgDATE OF BIRTH: 12.3.97


PROVINCE: TaranakiPROVINCIAL CAPS: 18PROVINCIAL POINTS: 74 (13t, 3c, 1p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Horowhenua Kapiti (Wanganui) in Levin


THE BLUES SAY...Stephen played first class rugby while at school in Wanganui, a finalist in Heartland Play of the Year and selected for the Heartland XV last year. He moved to Taranaki this year where he impressed at first-five and fullback and selected for NZU20 side.

JORDAN TRAINORPOSITION: WingPHYSICAL: 1.87m, 83kgDATE OF BIRTH: 31.1.96


PROVINCE: WaikatoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 11PROVINCIAL POINTS: 82 (6t, 17c, 6p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Hawke’s Bay in Napier


THE BLUES SAY...Aucklander who played U18 but moved to Waikato Uni as Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship winner. NZU20 rep who played for Waikato since 2015 and Blues last year. Skilful fullback/wing and an excellent goal-kicker.


Photos: Getty Images

BLUESIN 2016FINISHED 11TH OVERALL AFTER ROUND ROBIN

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2017 SQUAD GUIDE - WordPress.com fileBLUES 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE | 3 FORWARDS PROPS Charlie Faumuina Alex Hodgman Sione Mafileo Pauliasi Manu Sam Prattley Ofa Tu’ungafasi