BLUES NEWS
HOT SUMMER FORCES BLUES TO MOVE PRE-SEASON GAME TO TAKAPUNA
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.
NZ RUGBY SELLS SHARES IN BLUES TO LOCAL BUSINESS CONSORTIUM
The positive momentum for the Blues continues with the announcement that a consortium of eminent New Zealand business people will take a significant shareholding in the organisation.
The Better Blues Company Limited will purchase the 40 per cent holding in the Blues which was held by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) who bought back the shareholding from the previous private owners three years ago.
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC AND BLUES ADAPT FOR AN EXCITING 2022 SEASON AHEAD
The rugby unions on both sides of the Tasman have been working overtime with the latest Covid-travel restrictions to produce a revamped draw for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
GROUP OF SPONSORS RE-COMMIT TO BACKING THE BLUES
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.
BLUES TO PLAY CANES IN MAHURANGI PRE-SEASON
The Blues will take on the Hurricanes at Mahurangi Rugby Club on Saturday 5 February, with a day of fun activities planned.
The match, to be hosted by Mahurangi Rugby Club and North Harbour Union, will be the only pre-season game in the region, and the Blues hope the Waitangi Weekend match will attract plenty of fans.
The Blues played the same opponents at Mahurangi in 2018 which saw a big attendance for the game.
DEVELOPMENT COACHING ROLES RECEIVES GENEROUS SUPPORT
Brian Wilsher, a long-time administrator, former Blues Director, Auckland Board member and life member of Pakuranga Rugby Club is funding the annual scholarship which is an important development role.
TYLA NATHAN-WONG TO PLAY FOR nib BLUES
Superlative Sevens star Tyla Nathan-Wong will join the nib Blues team for next year’s Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
The 27-year-old Sevens superstar has been granted a clearance from the Black Ferns Sevens to compete in the historic first women’s Super-level competition in New Zealand.
2022 JERSEYS PAY HOMAGE TO HOME AND HERITAGE
The Blues have produced a mix of their heritage and today with their playing strips for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific playing jerseys.
FUN IN THE SUN SORTED THANKS TO WAHU
With the Blues offering family-friendly afternoon games, and the region looking forward to life out of lockdown, it’s promising to be a WAHU summer.
2022 BLUES SQUAD NAMED
The Blues have named a potent squad with a mix of proven performers and passionate potential for their 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
NORTHLAND TO HOST BLUES CLASH AGAINST REBELS
The Blues today confirmed Northland will play hosts in the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Whangarei’s Semenoff Stadium will be the venue for the Blues clash against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday 5 March 2022.
YOUNG GUNS SIGN FOR 2022
While the Blues boast a bevy of men in Black, they are investing significantly in developing tomorrow’s stars.
Props aside, the Blues could muster an exciting team of players just 23 years and younger from their squad for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
EXPERIENCED AND PATHWAY PROSPECTS EXTEND STAY
One of the elder statesmen of the team and one of the youngest have extended their stay at the Blues.
Bryce Heem, 32, and Zarn Sullivan, who recently turned 21, have extended their contracts at the club.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AFTERNOON GAMES IN 2022
Family-friendly afternoon games in summer will feature for Super Rugby Trans-Tasman champion Blues in Super Rugby Pacific 2022.
Three of the seven home games for the Blues will be afternoon kick-offs, including the opening game at Eden Park against exciting competition newcomers, the Fijian Drua on Saturday 19 February.
LAY BROTHERS FOLLOW IN EACH OTHER’S FOOTSTEPS
When James Lay found out his troublesome foot injury would sideline him from the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Championship, then there seemed only one logical option.
His slightly older brother Jordan has stepped in, selected by Blues head coach Leon MacDonald to join the strong group of props at the club, and by doing so, the Lay brothers continue to mimic each other’s rugby careers.
EXCITING nib BLUES AUPIKI SQUAD NAMED
The nib Blues have announced a squad packed with proven performers and talented tyros for the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
The 26-strong squad was announced today that includes 12 current or recent Black Ferns and seven players aged 20 years and younger.
STRONG COACHING TEAM FOR SUPER RUGBY AUPIKI
The Blues have named a strong coaching group for the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki women’s competition in March next year.
Current Auckland Storm FPC coach Willie Walker, already announced as head coach of the nib Blues, will be supported by assistant coaches Mel Bosman and James Semple for the inaugural competition.
Both have strong pedigrees in coaching and in women’s rugby.