Alex Hodgman and Karl Tu'inukuafe sign contract extensions with Blues

Auckland Blues have confirmed that front-rowers Alex Hodgman and Karl Tu’inukuafe have signed new deals with the Super Rugby club.

Tu'inukuafe joined Blues ahead of the 2019 season and has played 49 Super Rugby games including 33 for the Auckland based franchise. He also represented French club Narbonne and Chiefs in the past.

The 28-year-old made his international debut for New Zealand in 2018 and has featured in 23 Tests. He is also part of the All Blacks squad for the end of the year tour.

Meanwhile, Hodgman has been part of Blues since 2017 and has featured in 42 Super Rugby games for the club. He has penned a new contract until the end of 2023 season.

Blues head coach Leon MacDonald is delighted with both Hodgman and Tu’inukuafe committing their immediate future with the club.

“We are blessed to have a group of quality, hard-working props who are the cornerstone of our set-piece. In turn this is fundamental to our ability to develop front-foot possession for our running weapons wider out,” said MacDonald.

“They are a hard-working group on the grass and in the gym who challenge each other and learn from one another.”