The Blues have been forced to change venue for their pre-season game against the Hurricanes to Onewa Domain in Takapuna on Saturday 5 February.

Originally the event was to be staged at Warkworth with the planned Mahurangi Blues Footy Fest incorporating a day of fun activities jointly with the Mahurangi Rugby Club.

However, the hot and dry conditions over the summer break has had a marked effect on the ground which is not up to standard to host a Super Rugby preseason fixture. The risk of injury is too high with the game only two weeks before the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

“We are extremely disappointed for all concerned as so much planning had gone into this, and it was going to be a fantastic day,” said Andrew Hore, Blues CEO.

“We had checked the ground before Christmas but it has deteriorated in the hot summer conditions and there is too much risk for a professional Super Rugby match.

“There was an important and fun day planned but the health and welfare of our players is absolutely paramount. We thank both Mahurangi Rugby Club for their support as well as Takapuna Rugby Club for accepting to host us at short notice.

The game will be played at the Takapuna Rugby Club at Onewa Domain on Saturday 5 February, gates open at 11am with the North Harbour and Baabaas development teams opening the day at 11.30am. All details can be found on the www.blues.rugby/preseason. Gate entry is $10 per adult with kids free under 14 years old.