Sir John Kirwan’s reign as Blues head coach began in emphatic fashion tonight as his side toppled the Hurricanes 34-20 at Westpac Stadium.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan has announced his side to take on the Hurricanes in their season opener at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 7.35pm).

All this season, Barfoot & Thompson and the Blues are giving you the chance to win great prizes by showing us how passionately you support the team in the digital space.

On Wednesday 27 February, in the lead up to the Blues first home game at Eden Park against the Crusaders, the Blues are supporting MHTNZ in an Inspiring Stories fundraising event

Piri Weepu will make his first appearance of the year for the Blues on Friday when they take on the Highlanders in Queenstown in their final pre-season hit-out.

While the Blues spent three days in Whangarei last week preparing for their victorious pre-season match against the Waratahs, the players took the opportunity to get out and about in the Northland community.

Fans and members will have the chance to meet the full 2013 Blues squad at a special FREE open day on Sunday 17 February at the North Harbour Stadium outer oval

A try to Peter Saili in overtime snatched a thrilling 40-36 victory for the Blues over the Waratahs in their second pre-season match in Whangarei today.

Ali Williams will captain the Blues for the first time when he leads out the side to face the Waratahs in Whangarei on Saturday in the second pre-season hit-out of the year.