Tuipulotu signs with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues until 2025

All Blacks lock and Super Rugby Trans Tasman-winning Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu has inked a long-term deal with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues, which will see him leave for a playing sabbatical in Japan before returning home.

28-year-old Tuipulotu, who has played 38 Tests since making his All Blacks debut in 2014, has signed a long-term contract through to 2025 for both club and country – the first All Black to do so.

He will head to Japan later in the year after the All Blacks campaign, miss the Super Rugby season next year and return to New Zealand mid-year.

Tuipulotu said while there was a desire to experience playing overseas, he and his family wanted to live in New Zealand long-term.

“In some ways winning the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman title has made my decision easier, because we have got that monkey off our backs at the Blues. It was a hard decision because the Blues as a group have developed so well.

“I am excited for the new experience overseas and will be doing my best. Equally, I will be looking forward to returning to the Blues and my home in Auckland.

“I have big goals that I want to achieve both for my country and the Blues in the future.

“I am honoured that New Zealand Rugby and the Blues have shown so much faith in me, and this provides security for my family over the next few years to the likely end of my career.”