New Zealand players, (L-R) Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tuinukuafe, Angus Taavao and George Bower, celebrate their victory in the second rugby union match against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland on August 14, 2021. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP)
All Blacks prop to ‘return home’ to the Blues
A 23-time capped All Blacks Prop has been unveiled as the latest signing for the Auckland Blues in Super Rugby.
New Zealand players, (L-R) Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tuinukuafe, Angus Taavao and George Bower, celebrate their victory in the second rugby union match against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland on August 14, 2021. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP)
Capped All Blacks international prop Angus Ta’avao has been unveiled as the latest signing for the Auckland Blues.
Ta’avao has played 23 Tests for the All Blacks and represented New Zealand at the Under 20 level. He can prop on both sides of the scrum and has represented the Blues, Waratahs, and Chiefs in Super Rugby.
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All Blacks prop returns to Auckland
Ta’avao said a big motivating factor to coming home was family.
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“I’m stoked to be back with the Blues,” said Ta’avao according to the Blues.
“Auckland is my home, my family is here and I’m excited to come back to where it all started for me as a professional rugby player.”
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Ta’avao will begin the 2024 season with 49 Blues caps and claims reaching the 50-game mark with the club will be an exceptional career event.
He added: “Funnily enough, when I was choosing my training jersey number, I just added my two kids’ birthdays together and it spat out the number 49 – clearly it’s a number with meaning for 2024!”
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A career coming full circle
The serendipity continues for the former Chiefs player, who made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues against the Chiefs in Hamilton in 2012 and played his 100th Super Rugby match for the Chiefs at Eden Park.
“I know I can add to the environment and culture at the Blues and want to share my experiences with the younger players.”
“Coming in as a rookie and hearing from experienced players really helped me, so that’s something I want to give back to the club.”
His career has come full circle as he returns to the Blues to offer his experience from 135 Super Rugby games.
The Blues open their 2024 Super Rugby season against the Fijian Drua at
Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei on 24 February.
