Dalton Papalii

Dalton Papalii is a prominent rugby union loose forward, known for his impactful play with the Blues and the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks. After winning the Junior World Championship with New Zealand U20 in 2017, Dalton Papalii had already established himself as a formidable talent, having captained Saint Kentigern College’s First XV to victory in the 2015 Grant Dalton Cup. In the same year, he also captained the New Zealand national schoolboy rugby union team, securing a win against Australia. His early potential was recognized within the Blues development program, where he earned the Blues Development Player of the Year award twice consecutively in 2016 and 2017, underscoring his rapid ascent in the sport’s pathways.

In the 2024 season, Papalii was relieved of the captaincy, allowing him to focus on his primary strengths, where he led the Blues in tackle counts with an impressive 208 and maintained his integral position within the All Blacks squad. Further solidifying his impact, he was a key component in the Blues’ triumphant Super Rugby Pacific Title victory in 2024. Papalii remains a critical asset to the Blues, with his current contract extending until the end of the 2027 season.