Patrick Tuipulotu has been named as the new Blues captain for the 2024 Super Rugby season, taking over from Dalton Papali'i.
Tuipulotu previously captained the side from 2019 to 2021 and said being named captain again is not something he takes lightly.
“The feeling you get leading this side into battle each week is something special,” said Tuipulotu.
“We’ve got a core of experienced Blues men who lead in their own way and it’s my job to empower that group of leaders to help propel the team forward.”
“Captaincy comes with a weight of expectation – we represent the people of our region and as a team we strive to do our fans proud whenever we pull on the Blues jersey.”
Tuipulotu said there was no bad blood between him and Papali'i.
"We're good mates, I trust him, have his backing and I think for him I suppose between us two I'll just be doing a lot more talking to the ref than him this round."
New Blues coach Vern Cotter said Tuipulotu has a strong influence around the team and was the "clear leader".
“Patty is a natural leader in this group, he’s an experienced head with nearly 100 caps for the team and has the respect of the players around him. I’m confident he’ll do an excellent job leading the Blues in 2024,” said Cotter.
Papali'i took the news well and believed he was only in a caretaker role as captain while Tuipulotu was on sabbatical, Cotter said.
"I thought that was big from him and he knows he can help, the experience he had last year as captain will give him more awareness for it and be better for Patty and the team."
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