The Blues took time out of their hectic pre-season training schedule to roll up their sleeves and spread some Christmas cheer in West Auckland yesterday.

With Christmas fast approaching, members of the Blues squad attended yesterday’s Kidz First Christmas party, hosted by SKYCITY.

77-Test veteran Ali Williams will captain the Blues in 2013.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan has named an exciting crop of up-and-comers in his Wider Training Group for 2013.

The Blues and New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) have today announced that All Black and Blues stalwart Keven Mealamu will extend his leave period for several weeks.

Wally Rifle recently joined the Blues as head strength and conditioning coach. We caught up with him to find out to find out more about his background and what he has in store for the team during the pre-season.

New Blues recruits Jamison Gibson-Park and Jackson Willison have been named in the Maori All Blacks starting XV for their second match against the RFU Championship XV in Doncaster tomorrow morning.

Three Blues players have been named in All Blacks starting XV to face Italy at Stadio Olimpico, Rome on Saturday.

Two of the Blues’ most promising young prospects have been nominated for honours at the 2012 Steinlager Super Rugby awards.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan has finalised his coaching roster for 2013, appointing Nick White as scrum coach and Wally Rifle as head trainer.

Big Boys Toys is happening in Auckland this weekend and our new Head Coach Sir John Kirwan will be on the True Blues stand on Friday from 11am to 12.30pm.

The Blues will head north to Whangarei in February for one of three pre-season fixtures in preparation for the 2013 Investec Super Rugby competition.