Blues lament Papali’i’s departure: Lack of dialogue with All Blacks

Vern Cotter Calls for Unity in New Zealand Rugby Following Dalton Papali’i’s Departure

The outgoing Blues coach, Vern Cotter, has expressed his concern about the lack of “alignment” in New Zealand rugby, following the news that All Blacks flanker Dalton Papali’i will join the French club Castres Olympique at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season. Papali’i, 28 years old and with 37 matches with the All Blacks, announced his decision on Monday, which effectively ends his international career with the All Blacks. Cotter lamented the lack of communication between the player and the national management, pointing out the importance of maintaining earlier and more effective conversations with key players like Papali’i.

“I think we should be concerned and we need to have better alignment, better conversations and earlier conversations with players like Dalton,” Cotter told reporters on Tuesday.

Vern Cotter

Cotter also highlighted Papali’i’s leadership potential, mentioning that his departure is a significant loss for New Zealand rugby.

Dalton Papali’i will continue his career in France after this year’s Super Rugby season.Papali’i will join his Blues teammates, Hoskins Sotutu and AJ Lam, who will also be leaving for overseas at the end of the season, representing a considerable loss of experience for the 2024 Super Rugby champions. The Blues are also in search of a new coach, as Cotter will move to Brisbane to coach the Reds. Papali’i explained that he was looking for new opportunities and wanted to explore other destinations that rugby offered him, as well as secure his family’s future.

“Making the decision to not be available for the All Blacks was very difficult,” Papali’i stated.

Dalton Papali’i

Papali’i also praised Jamie Joseph, a candidate for All Blacks coach, for the environment he created in the All Blacks XV last year. NZR is expected to make a decision on Scott Robertson’s replacement in the coming weeks.