Blues 2024

[Tim]

@Nogusta Thanks!

Any idea on who will be signed in the front row?

[Tim]

Prior to this squad naming the Herald understands Akira Ioane signed a two-year contract extension with New Zealand rugby to signal he will stay and fight for a recall. Hoskins Sotutu is also contracted until the end of next year.

[george33]

There was rumors of Akira maybe signed for Highlanders but haven't herd ,I guess he's still a Blues boy

[SouthernMann]

@george33 said in Blues 2023:

There was rumors of Akira maybe signed for Highlanders but haven't herd ,I guess he's still a Blues boy

We are really going hard at everyone it seems.

[george33]

Ok haven't heard the name B4 and that's not disrespectful of the young man

[SouthernMann]

He is standing in between Gregory and Bekhuis here. Looks to be a decent size for an openside.

[george33]

Yes seems to have size for a young guy be interested to follow his progress

[Tim]

So, we need a loosehead (Hodgman) and tighthead (Laulala) replacement, and maybe a replacement for James Lay as well. Eklund and Renata might be on the fringe too. Any whispers about signings? Ahio next in line?

[Chris]

@george33

Yeah mate there is a lot of rumours around of player movement.
Some money being chucked around.

[Duluth]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

Ahio next in line?

He looked good in his handful of NPC games. Is Hamdahn Tuipulotu still around?

[Tim]

@Chris any hints?

[Duluth]

@Tim also wasn’t there a rumour about Tamaiti Williams?

[Chris]

@Tim

I don't know if any are true but I have heard Akira moving,JNK moving,PUJ and TUJ moving.
But just rumours I have no 100% confirmation.

[Tim]

@Duluth and Finlay Brewis

[Tim]

@Chris said in Blues 2023:

Akira moving

Wants to play number 8?

[Chris]

@Tim

I think the Crusaders are letting Brewis go because of to many injuries and keeping Calder or Sykes-Martin

Not sure on why with Akira but it is just a rumour.

[Tim]

@Chris Brewis has been unavailable for nearly all of the last two seasons?

[Duluth]

@Tim isn’t he another player with a netball girlfriend? Maybe it’s just related to her not being in Auckland?

[Tim]

@Duluth yeah, he spent the off season in Christchurch before 2022 season, IIRC.

[Chris]

@Tim
Yep shoulder and neck injuries reminds me of Harrison Allen he was the same over 2 seasons.