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.

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.

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.

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.

The Blues have produced a mix of their heritage and today with their playing strips for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific playing jerseys.

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.

The Blues have named a potent squad with a mix of proven performers and passionate potential for their 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.