A few days after the “Big Blues Bus” initiative generated more than 23,000 donations for the Auckland City Mission, than a group of partners have remained on board with the Blues.

The Super Rugby Trans-Tasman winners, who have made a number of high-profile player signings in the off-season, today confirmed nine partners have recommitted to the Blues.

They include media partners MediaWorks and Stuff, the Manukau Institute of Technology, ICT cohort Softsource and a group of suppliers have all signed back with the Blues.

“For us, it is important to develop great relationships with our partners, for them to share this journey and be part of the Blues community,” said Todd Hewitt, the Blues GM Commercial.

“We are blessed to have such great partners who identify and share in our vision and who work together for mutual benefit.”

MediaWorks, a long-time backer of the club, have agreed to a further three seasons and confirmed support for both the Blues men and nib Blues women.

MediaWorks Director of Content Leon Wratt says MediaWorks is thrilled to be named as the official radio partner of the Blues. 

"We're excited to continue our partnership with the Blues for the next three years and work together to deliver engaging radio content across our brands including The Rock, More FM and Mai. This year's "Bring Mulls to Blue" campaign with The Rock's Morning Rumble is a great example of the epic radio that we can bring to life through this partnership,” he said.

Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Blues will again team-up to use sport as a lever to unlock potential within the Blues community and create better futures through education.

The partnership will see MIT scholarships offered to players while students at MIT can gain work experience with the Blues and in doing so, gain an insight into the working environment of a professional international sports organisation.  

“MIT is proud of what the team has achieved during the partnership both on and off the field,” said MIT Chief Executive Gus Gilmore. “We look forward to how this relationship develops over the next two years and connecting more learners with benefits of vocational training,”  

Softsource, specialist ICT experts and technology partner with the club for eight years, have increased their involvement to become official Coaches Partners, providing vital technology support and IT equipment to keep the Blues at the cutting-edge of sports and business development.

“Ensuring the Blues IT technology is always 100 percent available is paramount for our team here at Softsource.  This is not only for traditional IT services but for delivering innovative apps, technologies and data that help the Blues maintain their edge,” said Pablo Garcia-Curtis, Softsource Director and General Manager.

Additionally coffee maker Altura, Ritchies Bus Company, ICG, Torque, and NZ Couriers have all recommitted to the club.