Super Rugby
Blues sign NRL star Matt Duffie on two-year contract
ESPN Staff
September 12, 2015

The Auckland Blues have signed rugby league player Matt Duffie on a two-year contract. A former Auckland school boys rugby player, Duffie has played with the Melbourne Storm for seven years, playing in over 60 games and scoring 37 tries.

A wing-fullback, the 25-year-old said it was time for him to return to Auckland and play under Blues head coach Tana Umaga.

"I was looking for a new challenge and it is the right timing to come back to rugby. The chance to return home to Auckland and to play for the Blues under Tana Umaga is very exciting," Duffie said. "At the same time I am indebted to the Storm organisation which has been brilliant in every respect, and helped develop me to the player I am today.

"I have a rugby background but more importantly I think that the skill set to play at wing or fullback in rugby league is very similar to rugby."

Blues coach Umaga has said Duffie is the perfect replacement for outgoing star Charles Piutau who just signed a season-long contract with English Premiership side the Wasps.

"Matt is a fantastic athlete, and was a highly promising young rugby player," said Umaga. "He has developed into an excellent professional rugby league player at fullback and wing and that experience in those positions fits ideally to the role of an outside back in rugby.

"We are very excited to have him join the Blues, not just for his playing ability but as someone who has played top level professional sport for a highly successful organisation. He is also a leader who will add real direction to our young backs."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices