Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Blues Sign Wrampling, Slater Through 2027
The Blues have signed rising loose forward Malachi Wrampling and experienced hooker Bradley Slater through to the end of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Exciting young prospect Wrampling heads to the Blues after making his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs earlier this year against the Fijian Drua.
The 21-year-old is a former New Zealand Schools and New Zealand U20 representative, and was a standout performer in age-grade rugby, rising through the Chiefs U18 and U20 development pathways after graduating from St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton.
“Malachi is a powerful, dynamic loose forward who’s only just scratched the surface of his potential,” Blues GM of Rugby Murray Williams said.
“He’s the kind of player you want in your environment. Hungry to learn, fearless on the field, and built for the modern game.”
The younger brother of Chiefs midfielder Gideon Wrampling, Malachi is excited to make his own mark at the Blues.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get into it. The Blues play a physical brand of rugby and I’m looking forward to learning from the experienced players in the squad and continuing to grow my game.”
Slater, 26, arrives with a wealth of experience from the Chiefs, where he notched up 68 caps since making his debut in 2019.
A product of New Plymouth Boys’ High School and Taranaki Rugby, Slater was part of the New Zealand U20 squad in 2019 and rapidly rose to prominence under the coaching of Warren Gatland.
“Brad is a hardened Super Rugby player who brings an edge to our front row along with great leadership qualities. He’s tough, smart and a great set-piece technician,” Williams said.
Slater said he’s looking forward to the next challenge in his rugby journey.
“The Blues have built something pretty special in recent years and I’m excited to contribute to that. It’s a fresh start, and I’m keen to get stuck in.”
Wrampling and Slater will link up with the Blues for pre-season later this year ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
NZSTA: Campaign Launched To Boost School Board Participation
Heritage New Zealand: Kakanui Church Listed As Category 1 Historic Place
NZ College of Public Health Medicine: College Supports Calls For Stronger Regulation To Address Campylobacter Epidemic
Ngā Pae o te Māramanga (NPM): Higher Education Improves Outcomes For Māori And Pacific People
The Charter School Agency: Eighth Charter School Opens In Auckland
Oceania Football Confederation: Change Of Host Nation For OFC Futsal Men's Cup 2025