New Zealand's top age-grade stars are once again getting fast-tracked into Super Rugby this year, with George Bell and Riley Higgins the latest members of the 2021 side to earn spots in match-day squads for the first time.
The Blues will head into the coming Super Rugby Pacific season knowing that it will take a monumental effort to continue their success from last year's Trans-Tasman tournament.
Of the 31 rookies signing with Kiwi Super Rugby Pacific sides for the first times in their careers, none warrant attention like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The Blues have re-signed four key players as they look to clinch back-to-back titles in next year's inaugural Super Rugby Pacific.
North Harbour will likely be without one of their star players for the length of the upcoming NPC season - but they've brought in some experienced heads to help counter the loss.
Here's how the Blues rated following their 31-24 victory over the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Friday.
The Blues have re-called three All Blacks, including their captain, into their starting side to face the Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
Blues leadership role may be just the boost the laidback Tom Robinson needs to go to next level.
There’s excitement in the Blues camp as they begin a new competition and international travel when they take on the Rebels in the opening round of the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition.
When Sam Darry signed with the Blues for 2021, he expected he'd spend most weekends watching his teammates from the sidelines. That's been far from the case, however.