Eli Oudenryn scores on Blues debut as Vern Cotter praises 20-year-old hooker

Eli Oudenryn crossed for his first Super Rugby Pacific try on debut as the Blues faced the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday night, with head coach Vern Cotter offering warm praise for the 20-year-old hooker’s impact off the bench.

Oudenryn replaced James Mullan in the second half and made an immediate impression through his powerful ball-carrying and defensive work. He came close to a second try late in the contest, but referee Angus Gardner ruled the ball had been held up over the line.

Cotter was quick to credit the young hooker’s preparation ahead of the outing. “Yeah, he’s been working hard as well. And he played well when he came on, he’s just being himself, and he’s got a lot of energy and expresses it in his carry and his defence as well,” Cotter said post-match in Hamilton. “So, you know, it’s a good start for the young man.”

For Oudenryn, the moment carried personal significance. “Yeah, no, it’s very special. It’s always been a dream since I was a kid, so good to tick that off. Game is so different, so fast, so physical. It’s good to get out there, though,” he said. “Boys make it easy for me, training with them all week, so they prepare me really well. VC knows what’s expected of us. So, yeah, just got to go out there and execute my role.”

Oudenryn has risen steadily through the ranks since graduating from the Crusaders’ academy, where he claimed the Sir John Graham Trophy as Super Rugby U20 Player of the Season in 2025 following an impressive tournament in Taupo. He signed with the Blues ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, having previously represented his home region Tasman in the Bunnings NPC.

His place in the squad is not assured going forward, with starting hooker Bradley Slater due to return from injury for next week’s fixture against the Crusaders. Oudenryn, however, appears unfazed by the competition. “We’ve got Baggins back next week, so yeah, I’ll just do what I can to help prepare and be ready to go, but yeah, it’ll be pretty special down there in the new stadium, so it’ll be a good one.”