It’s the move across the ditch that could change Super Rugby once and for all, but one-Test Wallaby Darby Lancaster isn’t thinking about making a run for the World Cup.
Instead, Lancaster, having been blown away by incoming Blues coach Jason Holland, says the desire to play attacking rugby and learn from one of New Zealand’s best minds was enough to lure him away from the Western Force and sign with the Auckland-based Super Rugby franchise.
Darby Lancaster of Australia charges forward during his Wallabies debut. nna\lachlan.harper
“The move is definitely unconventional,” Lancaster told Nine.com.au.
“People can have their opinions on it, but I’m just excited and trying not to worry about what people think too much.
“Obviously, he’s the attack coach at the Hurricanes, so I’m looking at their wingers, they’re getting so much ball and scoring so many tries, and he’s going to bring that game style over to the Blues, and I just love to play fast, attacking brand of rugby.”
The 23-year-old winger will be unveiled by the Blues as their new international recruit soon, having penned a multi-year deal with the Auckland-based Super Rugby franchise last month.
The deal could prove to be a game-changer for the competition, with no player ever picked for either the Wallabies or All Blacks whilst playing on the other side of the ditch.
While James O’Connor played for the Wallabies after a successful one-year deal with the Crusaders last year, the veteran player was considered an overseas pick under Rugby Australia’s eligibility policy. He had also signed with Leicester Tigers by the time Joe Schmidt plucked him out of the international wilderness.
Super Rugby officials believe relaxing the eligibility laws by opening the borders between Australia and New Zealand could help build interest in the competition.
Although Rugby Australia relaxed its eligibility laws ahead of the 2015 World Cup, New Zealand Rugby has a hardline policy that requires players seeking to play for the All Blacks to be signed to a New Zealand Super Rugby side.
Lancaster might have only played one Test under Schmidt – a start on the wing against Georgia in July 2024 – but he was invited into camp on several occasions.
The flying winger said he was keen to still play for the Wallabies but added that he wasn’t thinking about being seen as a trailblazer for others to come.
Darby Lancaster scored against the British and Irish Lions in his final game for the Waratahs in 2025. Getty
“Yeah, hopefully [I’ll still be in the mix for higher honours],” he said.
“But I’m just down here trying to get better, I’m not worried about that stuff.
“I’m just trying to get better and looking forward to playing for the Blues.”
Lancaster came to the attention of Holland after scoring two stunning tries against this year’s minor premiers, the Hurricanes, in March.
And with Holland to replace Vern Cotter at the Blues next year, the former All Blacks assistant, who left Scott Robertson’s coaching side late last year before the Kiwi coach was axed, jumped on the blower to Lancaster’s agent.
It wasn’t long before he was sold on the idea of continuing his development at Eden Park.
“The way they play is attack from anywhere and attack space,” Lancaster said.
Darby Lancaster of the Wallabies participates in a drill at Lakeside Stadium. nna\sworthington
“The Canes have been playing such good footy. He’s got his mind right behind that, so I’m just really excited to play off the back of that.”
The prospect of playing in the same backline as All Blacks ace and two-time World Rugby player of the year Beauden Barrett made the move even more appealing.
“Who better to open up the field than Beauden Barrett,” Lancaster said.
Force and Rugby Australia officials were left disappointed by Lancaster’s decision to jump ship.
“He [Cron] was disappointed,” said Lancaster, who joined the Force from the Waratahs.
“It’s a tough conversation to have.
“The decision was very, very difficult.
“They weren’t easy phone calls that I had to make. I definitely took my time with the decision, but just the prospect and excitement of going over New Zealand just slightly outweighed hanging around here in Perth for now.”
The speedy winger, who will play for his fourth Super Rugby team in as many years by moving to the Blues, said running out for the Wallabies was still a dream come true.
“I was deeply honoured to run on the field for the Wallabies,” he said. “It was one of the best memories I’ll take with me for life. I don’t take that for granted.”