There was no upside for Kiwi Rugby fans when the All Blacks got trounced at the Yokohama Stadium Rugby World Cup last year. Trying to find the positive side of being knocked out at the semifinal stage would have been a pointless task but something good has come out of it nonetheless. Patrick Tuipulotu, captain for the Auckland-based Blues, has revealed that were it not for that 17-9 loss to England, he would now be announcing his departure from New Zealand.
The defeat served to change the trajectory of his journey, albeit in conjunction with the magnificent revival of his team. This comeback saw them come out on top at the New Zealand Conference before the novel coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown pushed Tuipulotu a little further down the path of remaining. And then the impact of the pandemic confirmed things.
And thanks to this perfect storm, the Blues’ head honcho will now be staying with us until 2023, at least. Tuipulotu said that he was entertaining thoughts of heading overseas, but how harshly the pandemic impacted his possible destinations, including Japan, was sobering. He said that he and his partner are considering starting a family and New Zealand being the best option for this means his long-term plans now include playing for his home country for a while yet.
And something has happened with Tuipulotu in the course of the last 12 months, changing him from a talented but inconsistent performer into a Lock of an international standard who genuinely dominates. He now plays for all three pro teams here, the All Blacks, the Blues, and Auckland.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Betway |  | 5/5 | Up to $60 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Picklebet | | 4.9/5 | Login to see promotions | Bet now Review |
| 3 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.8/5 | 100% Match | Bet now Review |
More About Gary Hicks
When it comes to knowing what’s going on, on the track, field or any other sporting arena, Gary Hicks is your man. With an almost unrivalled passion for journalism, sports and betting Gary decided to combine his love of all 3 and share his expertise with the world.
In the last few years Gary has risen through the ranks and prides himself on always keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the sports betting world. Gary is the resident news expert at OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz and his articles make for invaluable fodder for any avid punter.
You May Also Like:
SA Six Nations Plan Could Spark Bidding War
If South Africa were to join the Six Nations, such a move could potentially spark a bidding war to host the British & Irish Lions tour in 2033. The list ….
Kawa Leauma Dies After Freak Accident
Tragic news confirmed on Wednesday is that New Zealand lock Kawa Leauma has died of the head injuries sustained during an accident in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The Spanish Rugby ….
Kawa Leauma Suffers Serious Head Injuries
New Zealand rugby player Kawa Leauma is reportedly in a critical condition in hospital after falling eight metres. Leauma, who is undergoing treatment in a hospital in Amsterdam, is said ….
Quade Cooper May Soon Call Australia Home
Wallabies star Quade Cooper told the media this week that he will be taking another citizenship test– a test that will hopefully allow him to finally call Australia his home. ….
World Rugby Says About Dementia
World Rugby has reportedly now told players that head impacts and concussions aren’t the only factors known to contribute to the early onset of dementia. The organisation allegedly said this ….