March 21, 2026

#hakinakina: Blues Lock In Rising Forward Talent Torian Barnes Through 2028

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 21, 2026

The Blues have secured one of their most promising young forwards, confirming loose forward Torian Barnes will remain with the club through to the end of the 2028 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The new deal follows a breakout 2026 campaign for the 22-year-old, who has steadily risen through the ranks after starting the year in the Wider Training Group. His performances have quickly caught the attention of coaches and teammates, earning him valuable game time in a highly competitive Blues forward pack.

Barnes has made the most of his opportunities, bringing intensity, physicality and a strong presence at the breakdown. His impact was underlined with a standout moment in the Blues’ win over the Western Force, where he crossed for his first Super Rugby try – a sign of his growing confidence and influence on the field.

Originally from Christchurch, Barnes developed his game at St Andrew’s College before being selected for the New Zealand Schools side. He then progressed through the Crusaders academy system and went on to represent Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship, building a strong foundation before making the move north.

Standing at 1.95 metres, Barnes has continued to develop rapidly since joining the Blues environment. His debut came in Round One against the Chiefs, marking the beginning of what is shaping as a significant career trajectory at Super Rugby level.

The Blues say the contract extension reflects both his current performance and long-term potential, with the club identifying him as a key part of their forward stocks for the future.

Within the programme, Barnes has been recognised for his work ethic and commitment to improvement, alongside the physical edge he brings to contests. His progression from development squad player to regular contributor has reinforced the value of investing in emerging talent.

For the Blues, securing Barnes through to 2028 provides stability and depth in the loose forward ranks, while also signalling confidence in the next generation of players coming through the system.

As the 2026 season continues, Barnes’ development will be closely watched, with expectations growing that he could play an increasingly important role in the Blues’ ambitions over the coming years.