Overview
- Papali'i confirmed he will leave after the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season to join Castres Olympique on a three-year contract.
- His switch overseas renders him unavailable for New Zealand selection under longstanding policy, effectively ruling him out of the 2027 World Cup.
- Blues coach Vern Cotter called the departure a concern and urged "better alignment" and earlier conversations with players as teammates Hoskins Sotutu and AJ Lam also plan European moves.
- Papali'i cited setting up his young family and frustration over limited All Blacks opportunities last year after falling out of favor under former coach Scott Robertson.
- He has 98 Blues appearances and 37 All Blacks caps, and will join fellow New Zealanders Jack Goodhue and Abraham Papali'i at Castres, who sit ninth in the Top 14.