Blues sign Wallaby winger Darby Lancaster ahead of Jason Holland era

The Blues have confirmed the signing of winger Darby Lancaster from the Western Force, with the 23-year-old set to join the Auckland franchise for the 2027 Super Rugby season.

Lancaster arrives having already represented three Super Rugby sides — the Rebels, Waratahs, and most recently the Force, where he started five games in the 2026 campaign and scored four tries. The New South Wales product earned his sole Test cap for the Wallabies in 2024 and is a former Australia Under-20 international.

The move is an unconventional one for a player of Lancaster’s age, but he has cited the influence of incoming Blues head coach Jason Holland as a key factor in his decision. Holland, who currently holds a joint role overseeing attack at the Hurricanes, previously worked in the same capacity with the All Blacks.

“The Blues are a club with a huge amount of history and ambition, and I’m really looking forward to being part of that environment,” Lancaster said. “There’s a lot of talent in the squad and some world-class coaches and players to learn from. I pride myself on competing hard in every area of the game, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Blues GM Rugby Murray Williams highlighted Lancaster’s physical attributes alongside his attitude as reasons for the signing. “Darby is an explosive athlete with speed and aerial skills, but what stands out just as much is his competitiveness and approach to the game,” Williams said.

Lancaster has also spoken publicly about his desire to earn a second Wallabies cap, and is understood to be motivated by the prospect of learning from All Blacks veteran Beauden Barrett during his time in Auckland.

The signing adds further depth to a Blues squad preparing for a new chapter under Holland, with Lancaster’s pace and aerial ability offering options out wide as the franchise looks to build on its recent Super Rugby pedigree.