‘Improved coordination required following Dalton Papali’i’s departure from the Blues’ lineup’
Departing Blues coach Vern Cotter has emphasized the need for “better alignment” within New Zealand Rugby, following the announcement that All Blacks flanker Dalton Papali’i will be the latest player to move abroad.
Papali’i, 28, disclosed on Monday that he will join French club Castres Olympique after the conclusion of the Super Rugby Pacific season, effectively marking the end of his All Blacks tenure.
The 37-cap back-row player fell out of favor last year under former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, who was dismissed in January, and was reportedly among several players whose input was sought during NZR’s season evaluation.
However, even the possibility of a new All Blacks coach, likely to be either Dave Rennie or Jamie Joseph, was insufficient to retain Papali’i in New Zealand, with his Blues coach expressing concern over the lack of communication between players and national management.
“I believe we should be [concerned] and need to establish better alignment, improved discussions, and earlier conversations with players like Dalton,” Cotter stated to reporters on Tuesday. “He felt he had more to offer but wasn’t invited, leading him to make the decision to leave,” Cotter remarked.
“He possesses captaincy potential and could have been an All Blacks captain. His departure from New Zealand rugby is a significant loss, but he has a family and various other factors to consider.”
Papali’i will join fellow Blues players Hoskins Sotutu and AJ Lam in moving overseas at the season’s end, representing a considerable loss of experience for the 2024 Super Rugby champions, who are also seeking a new coach with Cotter set to take the reins at the Reds in Brisbane.
While Sotutu has not represented the All Blacks since November 2022, Papali’i played at the Test level just last year and could have been in line for a recall this year had he chosen to remain in New Zealand.
However, the flanker indicated he was also exploring other opportunities and wished to experience different locations that rugby could lead him to, while also aiming to secure his family’s future.
“That contributed to the weight of the decision; I love the All Blacks, and deciding not to be available for that was very challenging,” Papali’i reflected on the reality that his Test career is likely over for the next few years.
“Rugby is a significant part of my career, as are the All Blacks and the Blues, so closing that chapter was difficult. But as I keep reiterating, I have very important priorities in my life, particularly my family, whom I want to support, and I also have new goals to pursue.”
Papali’i also recently discussed his experience with the All Blacks XV last year, after being overlooked by Robertson for the Rugby Championship and the end-of-year tour, praising All Blacks coaching candidate Joseph for the positive environment he fostered, which may bolster Joseph’s chances of being appointed over Rennie.
“I had a really good rapport with Jamie Jo and … I felt like I returned to my former self [with the All Blacks XV],” Papali’i told TVNZ earlier this month.
“I believe I perform better when shouldering the responsibilities of a leader. In the ABs XV, I regained that role, the captaincy, and embraced it wholeheartedly. I enjoyed it and felt I played well again.
“Everyone embraced the culture, which is a testament to Jamie Jo and the coaches – they created an environment that allowed everyone to excel, and I loved it.”
NZR is anticipated to announce a decision regarding Robertson’s successor in the upcoming weeks.
