Dalton Papali’i

Dalton Papali’i

New Zealand New ZealandathleteMaleb. 19945.0Global Dominance: 0.00%

Dalton Papali’i is a professional rugby player from New Zealand, known for his dynamic play as a loose forward for the Blues in Super Rugby. After a challenging 2024 season marred by a hamstring injury, he is focused on leading the Blues in their title defense while embracing his new role as a father-to-be with partner Marty Puketapu. Papali’i's dedication to the sport is evident as he aims to balance personal and professional aspirations, emphasizing hard work and commitment to his team.

Power$1,593
Reach36,582

Country presence

Recent news mentions

Holland’s arrival in Auckland next year will mark the start of a new era, though, with a host of experienced figures including Dalton Papali’i in their final season for the Blues.

Super Rugby Pacific: Former All Blacks assistant coaches to join forces amid Blues shake-up
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-06-02
5.0

Dalton Papali’i was one of the Blues players missing from the match against the Chiefs.

Blues crash to heavy Chiefs defeat, face daunting Crusaders quarterfinal
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-05-30
5.0

Dalton Papali’i gave away a couple of ruck penalties but did what he needed for his side.

Blues v Crusaders: Player ratings and All Blacks watch, young stars shine as veterans struggle
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-03-07
6.0

Captain Dalton Papali’i again leads the side as the Blues look to build momentum.

Blues v Force live updates: Super Rugby round two clash
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-02-21
8.0

Dalton Papali’i to depart New Zealand Rugby.

More concerts, Origin coming: What Eden Park’s big shift means for Auckland
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-02-17
5.0
Also mentioned
Hamish Kerr
Hamish Kerr

Dalton Papali’i is a significant loss for the Blues as he starts this season as captain in Patrick Tuipulotu’s injury absence.

Dalton Papali’i: Blues coach Vern Cotter laments skipper’s exit – ‘He could have been an All Blacks captain’
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-02-17
7.0

Dalton Papali’i to depart New Zealand Rugby.

Flooding, power cuts and downed trees as wild weather hits Lower North Island
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-02-16
5.0
Also mentioned
Hamish Kerr
Hamish Kerr

Dalton Papali'i, captain of the Blues, will depart the club after the 2026 Super Rugby season to take up an opportunity with French Top 14 team Castres Olympique.

Dalton Papali’i: Blues captain to depart after 2026 season
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-02-16
8.0

Blues skipper was potent on both sides of the ball.

Blues vs Chiefs player ratings: Player ratings and All Blacks watch
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-02-14
7.0

Stand-in captain Dalton Papali’i was exceptional.

Blues v Chiefs result: Visitors claim ‘battle of the Bombays’ honours to open 2026 with victory
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-02-14
9.0

Dalton Papali'i is understood to have been very impressive for the All Blacks XV last year.

All Blacks: Winners and losers from Scott Robertson’s shock coaching exit – Alex Powell
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-01-16
7.0

Dalton Papali’i appeared once off the bench.

Assessing the All Blacks depth and best starting team
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-10-18
5.0

Robertson has, this year at least, proven his capacity to make difficult calls by passing over Dalton Papali’i.

Richie Mo’unga: All Blacks return is more complex than it seems - Opinion
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-08-07
5.0

Dalton Papali’i was pressed into service during the French series.

Paul Lewis: The bolter that would add depth to All Blacks pack
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-08-04
6.0

Dalton Papali’i featured off the bench in a widely changed All Blacks team in the third French test.

All Blacks squad: Scott Robertson considers changes for Rugby Championship
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-08-02
5.0

Dalton Papali’i could feature for Counties Manukau in the NPC.

All Blacks: Key players set to return for Argentina leg of Rugby Championship
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-07-28
5.0

While Dalton Papali’i was on the fringe of the July squad.

All Blacks’ squad depth analysed after French series sweep
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-07-22
5.0

Instead, they’ve named two loose forwards, Dalton Papali’i and Du’Plessis Kirifi, to deny Naitoa Ah Kuoi his test debut.

All Blacks v France: Chiefs-dominated All Blacks should avoid form fade – Liam Napier
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-07-17
5.0

Promoting Dalton Papali’i and running with Samipeni Finau as lock cover.

All Blacks v France: Scott Robertson shows first signs of future-proofing in side for third test – Gregor Paul
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-07-17
6.0

Blues loose forward Dalton Papali’i replaces Lio-Willie as injury cover for Luke Jacobson.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson talks squad selections, answers listeners’ calls ahead of first test
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-06-29
5.0

Dalton Papali’i will now fill the role previously held by Luke Jacobson.

All Blacks v France: Wallace Sititi ruled out of series, Christian Lio-Willie called in
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-06-26
5.0

Papali’i's merits are being evaluated against those of Kirifi and Lakai by the selectors.

All Blacks selection: Balancing gut instinct with data analysis
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-06-22
6.0

Papali’i could be sweating on his inclusion in the All Blacks after injuries.

All Blacks squad: The rookies who could make it into Scott Robertson’s side
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-06-21
5.0

Papali’i has gone under the radar this year as his Blues side have struggled.

Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi and who? Analysing the All Blacks loose forward options – Tight Five
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-05-09
5.0

Dalton Papali’i's example helped the Blues settle during the game.

The best half of Super Rugby this season: Phil Gifford
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-05-05
7.0

Dalton Papali’i praised Suafoa’s resilience in battling cancer while participating in Super Rugby.

Blues loose forward Cameron Suafoa announces recurrence of rare cancer
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-05-03
9.0

Dalton Papali'i made key turnovers to relieve pressure for the Blues.

Blues v Force: Blues get season back on track with bonus point win
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-05-02
7.0