Wallaby winger Darby Lancaster signs with Blues for 2027 Super Rugby Pacific seasons

Darby Lancaster has committed to the Blues for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season and the two campaigns that follow, the Australian winger confirmed while speaking to RugbyPass during his current stint with Hawke’s Bay in the NPC.

Lancaster, who earned a Wallabies cap in their 40-29 victory over Georgia in Sydney in 2024, made the move to New Zealand through a connection with former Melbourne Rebels teammate Lukas Ripley. “Lukas Ripley, who I played with at the Rebels, was my connection here. He introduced me to a few people, and it happened quickly,” Lancaster said. “I’m really excited about the opportunity at the Blues. Rubbing shoulders with several All Blacks like Caleb Clarke will be massive.”

For now, his focus remains on the NPC. Lancaster has played seven matches for Hawke’s Bay, scoring tries in the 59-17 win over Manawatu and the 32-17 defeat to Bay of Plenty. He has spoken positively about the environment in Napier. “Hawke’s Bay is a great set-up. They’re good fellas, there’s spots to surf, and the style of rugby we play really encourages us to give it a whirl. When we put it together, we’re hard to handle.”

Hawke’s Bay began the 2026 NPC season in impressive form, winning six consecutive matches and posting half-centuries against Wellington, Tasman, and Manawatu, as well as a 44-31 victory over Auckland. However, three straight defeats — including a 50-14 loss to an All Blacks-stacked Taranaki at McLean Park in Napier on Sunday — have raised questions about the Magpies’ title credentials.

Lancaster acknowledged the Taranaki result as a useful benchmark. “Matching up against a few Taranaki All Blacks was a great opportunity, a litmus test for where we stand. When we’re on our game, we’re hard to stop and as good as any team.”

He also reflected on the lessons absorbed since crossing the Tasman. “The biggest things I’ve learned are about communication and seeing and attacking space. New Zealand players are very good at spotting opportunity even before it happens.”

Hawke’s Bay now face a Ranfurly Shield challenge at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Saturday, after rank outsiders Counties Manukau stunned top-of-the-table Northland 22-19 in round nine. The Magpies carry a storied Shield history — 80 wins from 118 matches — including a 14-defence reign between 2020 and 2022 and a four-defence stint that ended in September 2024.

Lancaster’s trophy cabinet already includes the 2021-22 World Rugby Sevens Series league title, and he has not ruled out a return to the sevens circuit with an eye on the Olympics.