Blues sign North Harbour back for Super Rugby 27
The Blues have signed electric North Harbour outside back Rory Taylor for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Taylor joins the club on a two-year deal after a breakout Hilux NPC campaign in which he was in dominant form on the wing for a resurgent North Harbour side.
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A product of Rosmini College in Takapuna, Taylor first wore Blues colours as a Blues Under 18 representative in Year 12.
After a stint with Northcote, he has since become a prolific try scorer for North Shore in the North Harbour Premier competition, earning his club blazer for 25 appearances and winning three successive titles.
He made the step up to provincial rugby in 2026, as part of a locally grown North Harbour squad that turned the tide on a difficult 2025 season.
It’s been a huge season for Taylor, who at the start of the year was focussing on his career as a property valuer.
“To be honest, I didn’t think I’d be sitting here at this point of my life. I was a property valuer beforehand and even playing NPC this season was a bit of a surprise, but it’s been a dream of mine to play for the Blues ever since I was a young kid and I’m so excited for the opportunity,” Taylor said.
“I’m looking forward to come in and learn off everyone. There’s some really experienced Super Rugby players there so I’m going to learn as much as I can and keep pushing myself. I’m stoked to have been given this opportunity and I just want to rip in.”
Blues GM Rugby Murray Williams said Taylor had earned his opportunity through a standout provincial season.
“Rory’s had a fantastic year with North Harbour. He’s got real pace, he’s a natural finisher, and he works hard off the ball,” he said.
“He’s a great example of what the pathway in our region can do. Rory came through Rosmini, played for the Blues at Under 18 level, and has done the hard yards in club rugby with North Shore before getting his chance with Harbour.
“It’s really pleasing to be able to bring a local player like him into our environment, and we’re looking forward to seeing him develop with us in 2027.”
Taylor will join the Blues squad for pre-season later this year.
