Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: All Blacks and Blues centre confirms shock return to rugby league

All Blacks and Blues inside centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s stint in rugby union will come to an end at the end of this year after he agreed to rejoin NRL club the New Zealand Warriors in 2024.

Tuivasa-Sheck’s current contract with the Blues is set to expire at the end of 2023 and he has signed a three-year deal with the Warriors until the end of the 2026 NRL season.

Not an easy decision

The 29-year-old admitted that it was not an easy decision to leave the Blues and rugby union but said he wanted to confirm his future and create as little distraction as possible for the Auckland-based outfit as they enter an important phase of Super Rugby Pacific.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here at the Blues and made some great mates over the past two seasons,” Tuivasa-Sheck told the Blues’ official website.

“Out of respect for the Blues, my team-mates, coaches and of course the fans, I’m not going into too much detail about my next move. One thing was clear to me though, once I knew what my future held, I wanted to announce this and quickly shift the focus back to this season.

“I’m a Blues man now and that’s where all my energy is going. We have an important run of games coming up as we push for a playoffs spot and ensuring we finish as high on the table as possible. In the immediate future I want to get my injured hand sorted so I’m back and available to help this team in any way I can for the remainder of 2023.”

After coming over to the 15-man code at the end of 2021, Tuivasa-Sheck made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Blues against the Hurricanes during the 2022 season. He has a long-standing relationships with the Auckland-based club after representing their U18 team during the early part of his career.

“I’m grateful to the Blues for giving me the opportunity to return to the club where I played in my teens,” said Tuivasa-Sheck. “I’ve been fortunate to play out some of my childhood dreams and for that I can only thank everyone I’ve been involved with here.”

Blues chief executive Andrew Hore said Tuivasa-Sheck has been a popular figure at the Blues and wished him well for his future.

“Roger is a consummate professional and we thank him for his contribution to the club,” said Hore.

“When he told us he was leaving, his greatest concern was ensuring there was minimal distraction for us as a club. That speaks volumes to him as an individual and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

Blues head coach Leon MacDonald said Tuivasa-Sheck has played an important role during his stint at the club.

“It takes a special kind of athlete to do what Roger has done. He was really finding his feet in the midfield early on this season before picking up an injury,” he said.

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“The work ethic and diligence he’s put into his craft in his time with the Blues is certainly something he can be proud of.

Still has a role to play at the Blues

“He will still have a role to play for us in 2023 as the team look to build some momentum into the campaign and push for home advantage in the knockout stages of the competition.

“I wish him all the best for the next chapter in his journey and I’ll be watching on with interest!”