Super Rugby Aotearoa: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck signs with Auckland and the Blues

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Photo / Photosport

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has signed with the Blues for the 2022 Super Rugby season.

The Warriors captain and fullback will play one last season in the NRL before jumping codes to rugby where he will chase his dream of playing for the All Blacks.

The deal sees Tuivasa-Sheck sign with Auckland and the Blues on a two-year contract.

"It has been a dream of mine for a long time to one day play rugby union again, to get this opportunity with New Zealand Rugby, the Blues and Auckland is exciting," Tuivasa-Sheck said in a statement.

"The timing feels right to do this now. That said, I have a big year ahead of me and will turn my attention to this opportunity later in the year."

While he is still to complete his final season with the Warriors, Tuivasa-Sheck is expected to pull on Auckland's blue and white hoops in this year's Mitre 10 Cup competition before making his Blues debut next year.

It’s official Blues Whānau! Roger Tuivasa-Sheck joins us in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣2️⃣#BluesAllDay #WeAreTheBlues pic.twitter.com/DKojtoD6Ef

— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) February 5, 2021

Tuivasa-Sheck spent his formative rugby years playing for the Otahuhu College 1st XV and went on to play for the Blues development squad as a teenager, so his signing is a homecoming of sorts.

Blues Chief Executive Andrew Hore says he is particularly excited about Tuivasa-Sheck's leadership experience and existing links to the Tāmaki-Makaurau community.

"He is an outstanding leader who will embrace the links we are creating in the wider community. Roger will be a superb contributor to our club, and we hope his fans will follow him to Eden Park next season."

New Zealand Rugby General Manager of Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said Tuivasa-Sheck's return to rugby is a major coup and would be welcomed by players and fans alike.

"It's hugely exciting for everyone in rugby to have Roger back playing rugby union. He is a highly talented athlete who has achieved a huge amount in rugby league, but, equally, has proven himself as a leader on and off the field and an outstanding role model.

"Roger has some goals he wants to achieve in rugby, and we are thrilled to be able to give him the opportunity to chase those goals."

The NRL grand final is scheduled for Sunday, October 3, while the Mitre 10 Cup window is set for September 11 until November 27.

That leaves plenty of time for Tuivasa-Sheck to begin his rugby union comeback with Auckland in what should offer a more comfortable stepping stone.