The 37-test flanker confirmed the move Tuesday, days after complaining about being shut out of the All Blacks setup by former coach Scott Robertson. Though Robertson was sacked in January and the All Blacks will have a new coach, Papali'i will not be eligible to represent New Zealand due to the nation's policy of only selecting home-based players. Papali'i, 28, joins teammates Hoskins Sotutu and AJ Lam in exiting the Blues post-season to pursue careers in Europe, prompting concern from coach Vern Cotter. "Losing him from New Zealand rugby hurts a bit but he's got a family and a lot of other things to take into consideration. Papali'i said it was a tough decision to leave the Blues and New Zealand rugby but the chance to set his young family up financially was important to him.

Source: Irish Examiner February 17, 2026 14:20 UTC