Blues Captain Dalton Papali'i Chooses France Over All Blacks Future

In a significant move shaking the rugby world, Auckland Blues captain Dalton Papali'i has announced his departure for France following the conclusion of the Super Rugby Pacific season. The standout flanker has signed with Top 14 side Castres Olympique, ruling him out of contention for next year's World Cup.

Papali'i's decision comes amid frustrations over his exclusion from the All Blacks under previous coach Scott Robertson, who was sacked in January. Despite the national team's ongoing changes, New Zealand’s policy of selecting only home-based players leaves Papali'i ineligible for selection.

Coach Vern Cotter and others express concern over the exit of Papali'i and teammates Hoskins Sotutu and AJ Lam, underscoring a need for better communication with players. Papali'i cites family priorities as pivotal, acknowledging the finite nature of a rugby career.