Dalton Papalii

After the Blues' disappointing 2019 Super Rugby season, Papalii was retained in the All Blacks' squad for the 2019 Rugby Championship, having put in excellent performances across the season. With All Black Vice-Captain, Sam Cane, back from a broken neck, Papalii only made one appearance in the competition, replacing Highlanders blindside flanker, Shannon Frizell, for the final four minutes of a test against South Africa, which ended in a 16-16 draw.

On 1 August 2019, All Blacks Head Coach, Steve Hansen, released five players from the squad, including Papalii and his Blues teammate, Karl Tu'inukuafe. Papalii was then named as Auckland's Co-Captain for the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup, alongside midfielder TJ Faiane.

Papalii was called into the All Blacks' 2018 end of year northern tour, after injury to 60-test veteran and former All Black Captain, Sam Cane. Papalii made his international debut for New Zealand on 3 November 2018, starting in the All Blacks' 69-31 victory over Japan at the Ajinomoto Stadium. Papalii was replaced by fellow test debutant Dillon Hunt after a fine 59-minute performance. Papalii's performance against Japan enabled him to earn a spot on the bench for the final test of 2018, against Italy, where he replaced the in-form Ardie Savea 48 minutes into the 66-3 victory over Italy.

Having made his debut for Auckland in 2017 and for the Blues in 2018, Papalii overtook the injured Blake Gibson as a starter for Auckland during the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup, which Auckland eventually won.

Dalton Reece Papalii (born 11 October 1997) is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays for Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup and the Blues in the Super Rugby competition. Papali'i has played three tests for the All Blacks, New Zealand's international team, since his debut in 2018. His position of choice is flanker.