Code-hopping star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will play for the Auckland Blues in 2022, the Super Rugby franchise and NZ rugby announced.
The Warriors skipper confirmed earlier this week this would be his final last season in the NRL as he wanted to return to rugby union.
“It has been a dream of mine for a long time to one day play rugby union again, to get this opportunity with New Zealand Rugby, the Blues and Auckland is exciting,” said the 2018 Dally M winner.
“The timing feels right to do this now. That said, I have a big year ahead of me and will turn my attention to this opportunity later in the year.”
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
Tuivasa-Sheck has signed a two-year deal with the Blues, who are thrilled to have the 27-year-old NRL star donning their colours next year.
“His roots were in rugby and we know he will be an exceptional player,” said Blues CEO Andrew Hore.
“More importantly he is an outstanding leader who will embrace the links we are creating in the wider community.
“Roger will be a superb contributor to our club, and we hope his fans will follow him to Eden Park next season.”
Tuivasa-Sheck’s signing also makes him eligible for All Blacks selection for the 2023 World Cup.
NZ Rugby general manager Chris Lendrum said Tuivasa-Sheck’s return to the code was a major coup.
“He is a highly talented athlete who has achieved a huge amount in rugby league, but, equally, has proven himself as a leader on and off the field and an outstanding role model,” said Lendrum.
“Roger has some goals he wants to achieve in rugby, and we are thrilled to be able to give him the opportunity to chase those goals.”
The NRL premiership winner is one of the biggest names in the code after starting his career in 2012 with the Sydney Roosters.
A large drop apparently Bobby. but he also has some personal sponsors in a realestate company called Barfoot and Thompson making up some of the difference.......
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Roger is a million $ league player. I wonder if he took a pay cut to come back to Union ?
adam smith
Guest
:happy: if only I were as clever as my namesake?!????♂️
Pickett
Roar Rookie
True Jacko...
Hi pickett....I guess its not a lot different to guys like Wallay lewis etc who are certainly considered league juniors yet also had Junior Union backgrounds.....Most league players who attended private schools ( In Aus ) played Union for a few years too.....
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Adam, I'm reading your book 'Wealth of Nations' - it is heavy. Literally.
adam smith
Guest
Just a guess, maybe cause he was in the Blues’ Juniors?!?!
Pickett
Roar Rookie
The narrative keeps telling us he is 'returning' to rugby. But didn't he play First XIII and XV for his school, Otahahu College. He also played NZ Schoolboys in Union AND League. So why do all the rugby scribes say his roots are rugby only??
MrX
Guest
Blues have a good track record of producing AB outside backs.
alex
Roar Pro
And there goes his All Black dreams
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Good to see. Now let’s see how fast he can learn
smoothy
Roar Rookie
Given a sniff, any of our teams would have gone in for him - so good to see them denying anyone else a chance. Even the Crusaders assistants were putting the public feelers out... Ahwell, there’s always the next young fella they’ll have their eyes on (along with the entire NRL) :stoked:
Highlander
Roar Guru
All paid for by Barfoot and Thomson - he was never going anywhere else
smoothy
Roar Rookie
Pinched from the Blues juniors all those years ago... But better late than never! :laughing: glad they managed to keep other ‘prying hands’ off this Aucklander!