The Blues are on the hunt for a new lock after experienced campaigner Culum Retallick was ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

He’s not due back at Blues HQ for another two weeks, but All Black prop Charlie Faumuina can’t stay away and has joined the team early to rip into pre-season training.

Blues and All Blacks loose forward Steven Luatua has issued an apology after his appearance in a video posted on social media.

The Blues have appointed Tony Hanks as high performance manager. Hanks boasts an extensive coaching rÈsumÈ that includes roles with the Auckland Rugby Union, Junior All Blacks, Waikato, the Chiefs, London Wasps and the Russian national side.

The Blues have been dealt a significant blow before the season has begun, with experienced lock Culum Retallick ruled out of action for six months.

We’re looking for a passionate Blues fan who’s handy with a paintbrush and has an eye for detail to help transform our team room into a beautiful canvas.

The Blues will play three pre-season fixtures in preparation for the 2014 Investec Super Rugby competition.

Next Tuesday’s New Zealand Herald will be edited by Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan.

The Blues kicked off their first day of pre-season training with a yoyo fitness test. Check out how they got on

Barbarians coach Steven Hansen has named a strong starting line-up featuring three Blues players for their clash with Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday.

Five newly contracted players for the 2014 Blues squad will join other New Zealand Super Rugby rookies to shed their training wheels as part of an induction day with New Zealand Rugby in Wellington today.

Four Blues players have been named in the Barbarians squad to face Fiji in a special match to mark the island nation’s centenary at Twickenham on November 30.