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Sport Nation
Blues hooker Riccitelli confirms move to France
Sport Nation • May 20th, 2025 11:00 am
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Blues hooker Ricky Riccitelli is heading to France at the end of the current Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 30-year-old has reportedly inked a multi-year deal with Top 14 club Montpellier.
Riccitelli was one of the driving forces behind the Blues' drought-breaking Super Rugby triumph last year, playing in 14 matches and scoring five tries.
But the New Plymouth product was continually overlooked by All Blacks selectors, unable to rise ahead of Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Asafo Aumua or George Bell in the test pecking order at hooker.
What more does Blues hooker Ricky Riccitelli have to do to earn an All Blacks call-up? | The Bunnings Trade Rugby Run
Riccitelli also won a Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes back in 2016 and was a standout for Taranaki at NPC level.
"Ricky is the type of player every team needs," Blues GM of Rugby Murray Williams.
"He's hard-working, resilient and a true professional as a leader within our forward group.
"While we’re sad to see him go, he leaves with our support and gratitude for the contribution he’s made to the Blues."
