Matt Duffie

Matthew Duffie (born 16 August 1990) is a New Zealand professional rugby union footballer who currently plays for the Blues in Super Rugby. He previously played rugby league with the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League and was a part of their under-20s Premiership winning team in 2009, scoring 25 tries. On 1 May 2011, he was selected for the New Zealand Kiwis for the 2011 ANZAC Test. In October 2017, Duffie was named in the All Blacks for their end-of-year tour.

Duffie attended Saint Kentigern College in Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand, where he was a part of the school’s First XV, playing at fullback. He also excelled at athletics, making the national finals of the 200 m, 400 m and high jump. He graduated his final year in 2008.

In his younger years, he played for junior League clubs the Kaiapoi Bulldogs and the Pakuranga Jaguars. He is the first Kaiapoi (now Northern) Bulldogs junior to be selected for the New Zealand Kiwis.

As a 16-year-old Duffie also played senior Australian rules football earning selection in the New Zealand national team, after which he was invited to an Australian Football League training camp.

Melbourne Storm scout Darren Bell discovered Duffie playing rugby union and offered him a scholarship. He moved to Melbourne at the end of 2008 and developed rapidly in their professional program.

Duffie had a career from 2010-1015 with the Melbourne Storm and played one match for the Kiwi’s in the 2011 ANZAC test.

Duffie has signed to play rugby union for the Blues and North Harbour in 2016. Duffie had become a regular starter for those teams by the end of 2016 after consistently performing for a high level.

Following season-ending injuries to All Black wingers Israel Dagg and Nehe Milner-Skudder and fullback Jordie Barrett, Duffie was called up to the All Blacks as an injury replacement and was named in the 37-man squad for the end of year tour.