Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the Blues in tehe 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. Photo: Lynne Cameron / Photosport Ltd 2023 www.photosport.nz
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu is back for another stint as Blues captain.
The 43 test All Black lock had an injury plagued 2023 season and missed selection for the Rugby World Cup.
He broke his arm in the latter part of the Super Rugby Pacific competition and then reaggravated the injury playing for Auckland in the NPC.
Tuipulotu has previously captained the side from 2019-2021 and is on the cusp of becoming a Blues centurion, finishing the 2023 season on 99 caps.
He regains the leadership from All Blacks flanker Dalton Papali'i, who has led the side for the last two campaigns.
Tuipulotu said being named Blues captain is an honour he doesn't take lightly.
"The feeling you get leading this side into battle each week is something special," said Tuipulotu.
"We've got a core of experienced Blues men who lead in their own way and it's my job to empower that group of leaders to help propel the team forward."
"Captaincy comes with a weight of expectation.
"We've set ourselves high standards for the 2024 campaign, we believe we have the squad to do something special and we're working hard in the pre-season to make that a reality," he said.
Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter said Tuipulotu has a strong influence around the team.
"Patty is a natural leader in this group, he's an experienced head with nearly 100 caps for the team and has the respect of the players around him. I'm confident he'll do an excellent job leading the Blues in 2024," said Cotter.
"We've got a group of guys in our squad with a range of leadership experience, so they'll provide a sounding board and help lighten the load for Patty throughout our campaign," he said.
Tuipulotu was also keen to point out the impact his players can have on the community and region through their actions off the field.
"As part of our pre-season we had our Fill the Blues Bus campaign where we collected gifts for the Salvation Army.
"Doing community projects like that help keep the boys grounded and give them an appreciation of the people and community they're playing for."