There were smiles from ear to ear at Kidz First Children’s Hospital yesterday as half a dozen Blues players spent their morning meeting patients and staff.

Blues utility back Lachie Munro has signed with French Top 14 club Bordeaux and will depart for Europe at the end of the Super Rugby season.

Charlie Faumuina is one of six Blues players named in the 35 man All Blacks squad to attend two training camps ahead of the three Steinlager Series Tests against Ireland.

The Blues’ torrid run of defeats finally came to an end as they tamed the Lions 25-3 at Eden Park tonight.

Amidst the doom and gloom that has enveloped much of the Blues season this year, one bright light has been the dominance of the scrum, and the emergence of Charlie Faumuina as a genuine All Black contender.

The Blues franchise wishes to advise the position of Blues Head Coach for 2013 will be advertised.

Tony Woodcock has lost his race to overcome a calf strain in time for Friday night’s clash with the Lions as more injury concerns continue to plague the beleaguered Blues.

An emotional Blues captain Keven Mealamu today fronted the hordes of media that had descended on the Blues training base at Unitec to apologise on behalf of his players for the fact Pat Lam’s coaching position is being advertised.

The Blues are delighted to announce three key players ñCharlie Faumuina, Luke Braid and Tom McCartney – have each signed two-year deals with the franchise for the next two seasons.

The Blues’ wretched season plummeted to new depths on Friday night as they were thrashed by the Hurricanes 35-19 at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

Michael Hobbs has faced plenty of adversity both on and off the field this year, but he is relishing the opportunity of making his first start at 10 since round 2 this evening as the Blues take on the Hurricanes

Michael Hobbs has been handed the number 10 jersey to face the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm)