Blues 2026
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I like the Oudenryn signing. I assume this will be Eklund's last season then.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2026:
Blues desperately needed a young hooker to develop once Vikena flamed out. Happy with that signing.
Didn't the Blues also have Vernon Bason as injury cover last year. He'd be my pick of the Hurricanes hookers coming through and he hasn't secured a contract for next season (that I know of). Maybe another option for the Blues.
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@Canes4life Yeah agreed. He would be better option for the Canes than Raymond Tuputupu as well (not to pick on the guy but he has displayed nothing to suggest he is Super Rugby quality).
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@george33 said in Blues 2026:
Sounds like Oudenryn has signed for 2027
But will be in the WTG for 2026What the Blues post stated an hour ago...
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@KiwiMurph I think Mullan, if fit should be a good option in the 23 for the Blues, his work in NPC has been good, throwing, carrying, defence and is a strong scrummager.
Hutchings was also good, a smaller fella in the RR mould, although Hutchings throwing started to falter later in the season, but dont think he is up to Super yet.
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@Landers92 said in Blues 2026:
@george33 said in Blues 2026:
James Cameron
Eli Oudenryn signed for Blues.And there goes the odd man out. I know I was talking about it a bit but didn’t expect him to end up with the Blues. What a great signing this is.
It had to Happen to many players in the Crusaders region, Cameron also blocked by A Tuivailala and Cooper Roberts coming through who the Crusaders have invested in.
Good to see both of them get a contract both talented players. -
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2026:
@KiwiMurph I think Mullan, if fit should be a good option in the 23 for the Blues, his work in NPC has been good, throwing, carrying, defence and is a strong scrummager.
Hutchings was also good, a smaller fella in the RR mould, although Hutchings throwing started to falter later in the season, but dont think he is up to Super yet.
Yeah I've been impressed by what I've seen at NPC from Mullan. He should be ready to contribute to the Blues in 2026 with no RR. Slater obviously also in the mix.
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@Chris said in Blues 2026:
@Landers92 said in Blues 2026:
@george33 said in Blues 2026:
James Cameron
Eli Oudenryn signed for Blues.And there goes the odd man out. I know I was talking about it a bit but didn’t expect him to end up with the Blues. What a great signing this is.
It had to Happen to many players in the Crusaders region, Cameron also blocked by A Tuivailala and Cooper Roberts coming through who the Crusaders have invested in.
Good to see both of them get a contract both talented players.Ouderyn looks a very good prospect - big and dynamic - All Black potential. Disappointing to see him go - and doubtless he'll soon be appearing for one of those Auckland teams in NPC.
I hope we've kept the right guys!
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@Chris-B said in Blues 2026:
@Chris said in Blues 2026:
@Landers92 said in Blues 2026:
@george33 said in Blues 2026:
James Cameron
Eli Oudenryn signed for Blues.And there goes the odd man out. I know I was talking about it a bit but didn’t expect him to end up with the Blues. What a great signing this is.
It had to Happen to many players in the Crusaders region, Cameron also blocked by A Tuivailala and Cooper Roberts coming through who the Crusaders have invested in.
Good to see both of them get a contract both talented players.Ouderyn looks a very good prospect - big and dynamic - All Black potential. Disappointing to see him go - and doubtless he'll soon be appearing for one of those Auckland teams in NPC.
I hope we've kept the right guys!
Time will tell on Letiu if it is the right choice.
Always the danger Ouderyn will be swooped on by Australia in the near future as well.
Same as Nick Frost and Joe Brial who were both in the Crusaders system also. -
@Chris said in Blues 2026:
@Chris-B said in Blues 2026:
@Chris said in Blues 2026:
@Landers92 said in Blues 2026:
@george33 said in Blues 2026:
James Cameron
Eli Oudenryn signed for Blues.And there goes the odd man out. I know I was talking about it a bit but didn’t expect him to end up with the Blues. What a great signing this is.
It had to Happen to many players in the Crusaders region, Cameron also blocked by A Tuivailala and Cooper Roberts coming through who the Crusaders have invested in.
Good to see both of them get a contract both talented players.Ouderyn looks a very good prospect - big and dynamic - All Black potential. Disappointing to see him go - and doubtless he'll soon be appearing for one of those Auckland teams in NPC.
I hope we've kept the right guys!
Time will tell on Letiu if it is the right choice.
Always the danger Ouderyn will be swooped on by Australia in the near future as well.
Same as Nick Frost and Joe Brial who were both in the Crusaders system also.Slightly different scenario I would have thought
Brial's dad was a Wallaby
Frost is an Aussie who spent all his life in Aus up until leaving school where he then went to the Crusaders and Frost's old man was high up in Rugby Australia
Oudenryan as I understand was born in NZ and schooled in NZ and his old man has connections with NZ.
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Not sure he has much to do with the old man but I might be wrong
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@Chris said in Blues 2026:
Always the danger Ouderyn will be swooped on by Australia in the near future as well.
From the article:
“Growing up on the Shore, the Blues were always my team. To now get the chance to be part of the squad is a dream come true. I want to learn, grow my game, and give everything I can for the region.”I'm sure hookers never lie. Well, that's what they tell me.
