Blues first five-eighths Simon Hickey has been named to captain the New Zealand Under 20 team at this year’s Junior Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand Rugby and the Blues have today agreed and confirmed the terms of Benji Marshall’s release from his Investec Super Rugby contract.

The Blues’ poor away form continued as they suffered a 39-20 defeat to the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium on Friday night.

Ma’a Nonu has been ruled out of tonight’s match against the Hurricanes through injury.

When New Zealand’s five Investec Super Rugby teams run on to the field for their Round 15 matches in May, every side will feature an entire squad of new names.

Reinstated first five-eighths Chris Noakes is determined to seize his opportunity when the Blues face the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium tomorrow night in what shapes as a crucial match for both sides.

Blues hooker Tom McCartney has signed a three year deal with Irish Pro12 side Connacht and will join his former Auckland and Blues coach Pat Lam in Galway at the conclusion of the ITM Cup.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan has made seven changes to the starting XV for Friday night’s crunch match with the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium.

If Piri Weepu had his way he’d be out on the field with his Blues teammates taking on the Hurricanes on Friday night.

The Blues have put 1000 tickets up for grabs in a family promotion for the ANZAC day fixture against the Waratahs at Eden Park on April 25 (kick off 5.35pm)

Hawke’s Bay Magpies and Maori All Blacks first five-eighths Ihaia West has been called into the Blues squad to replace the injured Baden Kerr who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The Blues continued their disappointing run away from home, succumbing to the Brumbies 26-9 in Canberra tonight.