A former All Blacks player's son has been named in the wider training group for Super Rugby Pacific side the Blues.

Sam Tuitupou, the 21-year-old son of former New Zealand international Sam Tuitupou, has joined the Auckland-based side as part of its direct pathway into the senior squad.

He will train daily with the full group and provide injury cover when required throughout the campaign.

The wider training group includes five players from North Harbour, four from Auckland, two from Northland and one from Canterbury.

All 12 players will be integrated into the Blues environment during the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Tuitupou senior earned nine All Blacks caps between 2004 and 2006.

The centre captained New Zealand to under-19 and under-21 world titles, and at one point was touted as the next big star for the All Blacks, in large part due to his destructive tackling and strength.

He also won domestic honours with Auckland and the Blues before moving to England in 2007 to join Worcester Warriors, where he spent three seasons.

The centre moved to Munster in 2010, quickly becoming a fan favourite, before joining Sale Sharks in 2011. After six seasons with Sale, he signed for Coventry in 2017 and continued his career in the English lower leagues.

His son, meanwhile, has been making his own way in the game as a back-row forward.

The youngster made three appearances off the bench for Moana Pasifika last season before the club's collapse forced him to seek opportunities elsewhere.

He subsequently joined NPC side North Harbour, starting in their quarter-final defeat to Taranaki.

Tuitupou junior is also a Tonga international, making his debut during the summer's Nations Cup. He started all three matches for ʻIkale Tahi, including a victory on his debut over Zimbabwe.

Should he earn selection for Tonga's 2027 Rugby World Cup squad, he could face both England and Wales, with all three nations drawn in the same pool.

The Blues' wider training group also includes Leka Tu’ungafasi, brother of All Blacks prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi.

Blues head coach Jason Holland said the group reflects the club's commitment to developing local talent and creating opportunities for players to progress in a professional environment.

“We’ve got a real focus on building homegrown players from within our region and we are really pleased with the group we’ve put together,” he said.

“The opportunity for these guys, who would otherwise have no Super Rugby contract, is immense and we’ve all seen first hand what they can contribute to teams and the wider competition.”

2027 BLUES WIDER TRAINING GROUP: Tom Barham (North Harbour) Tyson Belworthy (Canterbury) Esile Fono (Northland) Cam Howell (North Harbour) Jordan Hutchings (Northland) Cohen Norrie (Auckland) Harlyn Saunoa (Auckland) Tevita Tatafu (Auckland) Riley Tofilau (North Harbour) Sam Tuitupou (North Harbour) Leka Tu’ungafasi (North Harbour) Caleb Woodley (Auckland)