NZ Māori, Blues, Auckland, and ex HB schoolboy star Zarn Sullivan has today confirmed he will play for the Magpies in the 2025 and 2026 NPC seasons.

Napier born and raised Sullivan left Napier Boys High School to play for Auckland school Kings College where he went on and graduated into the professional ranks playing 31 times for Auckland in the NPC and has already notched up 41 appearances for the Blues in Super Rugby. The Blues star confirmed his return home today stating he was “Grateful for the opportunity to come home and finally have the chance to pull on the black and white jersey. Knowing that it’ll be in front of my family and friends makes it even more special”  while the exciting utility back went on to add “As a young kid playing for Napier Pirates and who loved watching the Magpies play at McLean Park it will be a dream come true”

Magpies Head coach Brock James said ‘I'm really excited to have another Hawke's Bay man returning to represent the province. Zarn is a superb talent and an exciting addition to our squad. Zarn's experience in Super Rugby with the Blues, winning the 2024 title is a huge asset that we look forward to having amongst our group. Having spoken with Zarn, the pride he speaks with of his province is clear and his motivation to see Hawke's Bay thrive and the Magpies succeed is exactly the type of player we want in the Black and White’

Hawke’s Bay Rugby CEO Jay Campbell said ‘Our intention is always about homegrown players returning home when the timing is right and with Hugh (Renton) last year we saw the pride and passion he brought to the jersey. It excites me to think of what Zarn can bring to our squad, on and off the field. He is a special player and hearing him talk about his club Pirates and the Magpies, you know he is returning home at the right time and for the right reasons’’

Magpies fans will be delighted to see Sullivan finally running out for the Magpies. They are scheduled to play their opening NPC game against Counties-Manukau on Sunday afternoon August 3rd at McLean Park, which will be Sullivans first opportunity to wear the black and white hoops after turning out for Auckland against his new teammates last season.

Sullivan was part of Blues team in last weeks heartbreaking semifinal loss to the Crusaders and is highly tipped to be named in the NZ Māori squad to play Scotland and Japan later this month.

Excitement is building for the Magpies 2025 campaign with season memberships on sale now from the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union with game days tickets going on sale from Monday 7th July.

Article added: Monday 23 June 2025