Experienced Blues halfback Piri Weepu will make his first start of the year for the All Blacks on Saturday when they take on South Africa in Dunedin.

The Blues have signed Crusaders flanker Brendon O’Connor and Southland outside back Marty McKenzie to join the squad for the 2013/14 Super Rugby seasons.

All Black and Blues veteran prop Tony Woodcock will not play for the Blues next season. Woodcock has advised Blues Coach Sir John Kirwan that he will be playing for the Highlanders in 2013.

Blues prop Charlie Faumuina is poised to make his All Blacks debut after being named on the bench for Saturday’s Investec Super Rugby Championship match against Argentina in Wellington.

The Blues franchise is currently seeking a Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Alby Mathewson is heading to warmer weather across the Tasman and will play his Super Rugby season for the Western Force next year.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan today confirmed his new coaching team. Sir Graham Henry, Mick Byrne and Grant Doorey are to join the Blues for the coming season.

Auckland’s Eden Park has all but sold out for next weekend’s much-anticipated Bledisloe Cup and Investec Rugby Championship Test match between the All Blacks and Australia.

Four Blues players have been named in the All Blacks team to play Australia in the opening Investec Rugby Championship match at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, on Saturday.

With the All Blacks squad now named for the Investec Rugby Championship, it’s a timely reminder for rugby fans to snap up the remaining tickets for the Eden Park Test on Saturday August 25.