Dalton Papali’i: All Blacks Captain to Join French Club Castres

Dalton Papali’i, the captain of the Blues and a prominent loose forward for the All Blacks, will embark on a new chapter in his career following the conclusion of the current Super Rugby season. The 28-year-old has confirmed he will join French Top 14 side Castres Olympique, bringing an end to his tenure with the New Zealand franchise that began in 2017.

The decision, described by Papali’i as “extremely tough,” comes after speculation linking him with a move abroad. He hinted at a potential departure last week, as reported by 1News, and has now formalized his plans to test himself in the competitive Top 14 league.

“This club means everything to me,” Papali’i stated. “I grew up dreaming of wearing the Blues jersey and representing my country. I’ve been lucky enough to live that dream for a long time. The Blues gave me my chance, backed me, and helped me become the player and person I am. This was a really hard decision, but the opportunity in France is something that works well for where I’m at in my career with my young family. I’m fully committed to finishing my time here the right way. I love this club, the people, and our supporters, and I’ll keep giving everything I’ve got into the season ahead.”

Papali’i’s departure marks a significant loss for the Blues, where he has become a key figure, amassing nearly 100 caps for the franchise. He played a pivotal role in the team’s success, including their historic Super Rugby championship victory in 2024 – their first title in two decades. He is on track to reach a century of appearances for the Blues during their upcoming Round 3 clash against the Brumbies in Canberra.

Internationally, Papali’i has represented the All Blacks with distinction, earning 37 caps since his debut in 2019. He was part of the squad that competed in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, though his playing time in 2025 was limited to a single appearance off the bench against France. He also captained the All Blacks XV at the end of the year.

His reduced role with the national side, coupled with a perceived disconnect with recently departed All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, appears to have influenced his decision. Reports suggest the two did not see eye-to-eye, contributing to Papali’i’s limited opportunities in the Test arena last year.

The move to Castres will see Papali’i join fellow All Black Jack Goodhue, as well as compatriot Abraham Papali’i – a somewhat unusual pairing of players sharing the same surname. Other New Zealand representatives, including Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, and Etene Nanai-Seturo, are also making the move to the Top 14, highlighting the growing appeal of the French league to Kiwi players.

Blues General Manager of Rugby, Murray Williams, acknowledged the impact of Papali’i’s departure, stating, “Dalton embodies everything it means to be a Blues man. We’re proud of what he’s achieved here and will continue to support him and his family as he takes on this next chapter. This club will always be his home.”

While Papali’i’s move to France will undoubtedly excite Castres fans, it also means he will become ineligible for selection for the All Blacks, potentially closing the door on his international career. Despite his 37 caps and 40 points scored from eight tries, the opportunity to consistently feature in the national side appears to have diminished, prompting him to seek a new challenge in Europe.

Papali’i’s decision reflects a broader trend of New Zealand rugby players seeking opportunities overseas, driven by factors such as financial incentives, playing opportunities, and lifestyle considerations. His departure leaves a void in the Blues squad and the All Blacks’ loose forward ranks, but also opens a new chapter for a player who has consistently demonstrated his talent and dedication to the sport.

As he prepares for his final Super Rugby season with the Blues, Papali’i will undoubtedly be focused on leaving a lasting legacy and contributing to the team’s success. His commitment to finishing “the right way” suggests he intends to make the most of his remaining time in New Zealand before embarking on his French adventure.