Rugby: Papalii adds steel to the Counties campaign

The 22-year-old has signed for Counties Manukau Mitre 10 cup campaign. Photo / Photosport

All Blacks loose forward Dalton Papalii has signed for Counties Manukau's Mitre 10 Cup campaign.

The 22-year-old will add much-needed experience to the Steelers, having played for Auckland since making his provincial debut in 2017.

A year later, he made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues before going on to play three tests for the All Blacks on their end-of-year tour after being called up as injury cover for Sam Cane.

Papalii is in pre-season training with the Blues ahead of their upcoming Super Rugby campaign but will join Counties Manukau from July of this year.

The signing of a player who is expected to add to his test caps in the coming years is a coup for new Steelers coach Tai Lavea, who coached Papalii as a schoolboy at St Kentigern College.

"This is a huge signing for the Steelers. Dalton is going to bring so much to the squad," Lavea said.

"He's a natural leader and will come into our set-up with plenty of experience to contribute.

"It's no secret last year was a tough one for Steelers fans but we hope this signing will show them our intent ahead of the 2020 season."

For Papalii, the decision to link with Lavea was a no-brainer.

"I'm really excited about joining a provincial union with such a proud history and such wonderful, loyal fans," he said.

"I've got heaps of friends and family out this way and my dad played club rugby in the region so I feel very connected to the place.

"Tai and I also go way back and I know he's going to do great things with the Steelers.

"I can't wait to be a part of that," said the new recruit.

Counties Manukau general manager Aaron Lawton said the Lavea's first Mitre 10 Cup squad was taking shape nicely.

"This is a momentous day for our provincial union, for our fans and our community," Lawton said.

Papalii also confirmed he would be aligned with the Patumahoe club, following in the footsteps of his father, Mark, who played two seasons there.