Tuipulotu sets his sights B&I Lions
The 23-year-old Tuipulotu, who played seven Tests for the All Blacks in 2014 and 26 games for the Blues, has been recognised for his high work rate and incredible physicality.
At 1.98m tall and 120 kilograms, he uses his strength, size and natural talent to put his teams on the front foot.
Tuipulotu burst on to the professional scene in 2014 in spectacular style: in his first year of Super Rugby, he became the starting lock for the Blues and earned All Blacks selection, making his Test debut against England in June that year.
He missed All Blacks selection last year after undergoing double hip surgery and returned to the Blues for the 2016 season.
"I am really enjoying my rugby at the Blues and I am learning a lot playing under Tana [Umaga, Blue coach]," Tuipulotu said.
"I like being based at home right now.
"Next year the Lions are coming to New Zealand which would be great to be part of.
"Injury meant I missed a chance to play in the World Cup, and so long term I would love to be at the next one."
Tuipulotu joins current All Blacks Julian Savea, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles and Aaron Smith who have all committed to New Zealand Rugby through until 2019, while a bulk of leading players have also committed through until 2018 and 2017.
"We are very happy to secure Patrick for the long term as we see him as an integral part of this franchise's future," the Blues coach, Umaga, said.
"He's from here and is very proud to represent his home town.
"He's a committed and motivated young man whose actions on and off the field will help our development players strive to be better, and that in turn will help us succeed as a team."
All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen added: "Patrick re-signing through to 2019 is great news. He's a player who we feel has huge potential and we are expecting him to play a major role for the All Blacks over this period and even beyond.
"He was unfortunate last year with his injury to miss the World Cup, but clearly has the desire, drive and passion to get to the next one."
* Meanwhile the Blues confirmed that lock Josh Bekhuis has signed with French outfit Lyon.
At 2.02 metres tall and 116 kg, Josh Bekhuis has cast an imposing shadow across the Super Rugby competition since joining the Blues in 2015.
Now, more than seven years since starting his Super Rugby career with the Highlanders, Bekhuis decided to move abroad.
The lock signed a two-year contract with the French outfit, Lyon, and is set to leave New Zealand at the end of the 2016 season.
It was a decision made by Josh and his wife Micaela, both of whom felt ready to explore a new culture overseas.
"I'm interested in learning a new language," said Bekhuis.
"Lyon is the second biggest city in France and apparently quite beautiful, so we're really looking forward to going over."
Bekhuis will be joining fellow Southlander Kendrick Lynn and former Bay of Plenty utility back Toby Arnold at Lyon, while also competing against the likes of Colin Slade and Daniel Ramsay.
He's grateful to have the contract negotiations settled early on in the season - he officially signed more than three weeks ago - as it's meant the starting lock can focus on the task at hand.
"My main focus is this season and reaching our goals as a team. I didn't want my plans for next year hanging over me during the season."
The 2016 season saw Bekhuis earn his 100th Super Rugby cap, making him just the fifth New Zealand Rugby player to earn the century in both provincial and Super Rugby.
Interim Blues captain and hooker James Parsons described Bekhuis as "a top team man" with incredible influence on the team.
"Not only does he try to perfect his own game, he tries to perfect others as well. He's been a key part of every success we've had as a forward pack," said Parsons.