BLUES NEWS

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More