The Blues face one of their toughest tests when they travel to Canberra to take on the Brumbies in the penultimate regular-season clash in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition on Saturday.

Coach Leon MacDonald has named a predictably strong line-up led by an experienced pack to take on Australia’s leading team.

There is a relatively settled look to the Blues team for their final regular season clash in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition.

They host the Queensland Reds at Eden Park on Saturday at 7.05pm, with the Australian visitors fully committed as they are in a fight with the Chiefs, Waratahs and Hurricanes for the fourth place for the final home-game spot for the first round of playoffs.

The Blues are firmly focussed on a performance of quality to celebrate their return home to Eden Park where they take on the Melbourne Rebels in DHL Super Rugby Pacific on Friday night.

While they return from two wins across the Tasman, the team were not satisfied with the level of their performances, and are determined to make a step up in front of fans and family.

The Blues welcome back some key players as they take on the testing challenge against the Western Force in Perth on Friday evening.

Several players with minor niggles or on All Black leave, who missed the Super Round in Melbourne, have joined the team for Friday’s clash. They include captain Dalton Papalii, top try-scorer and hooker Kurt Eklund and props Ofa Tuungafasi and Alex Hodgman who celebrates his 50th cap for the Blues.

The Blues plan on rolling out Blues collectibles in 2022 as a test and learn, including digital content, experiences and merchandise.

The Team Tokens launch will involve offering 500 fans a chance to download a free digital version of a never-before-seen Blues titles poster with ten downloads receiving a physical signed 2022 team poster and a further ten will receive platinum tickets for two to the Blues Rebels game on the 6th of May.

Further offerings in 2022 will enable fans to get closer to the team and purchase exclusive experiences, including a visit to the Blues team changing shed post-match.

After a few days off following an arduous three-week schedule, the Blues are refocussing on the new challenge across the Tasman.

The team is excited to be part of the unique Super Round with all teams playing in Melbourne, with the Blues to take on Fijian Drua on Saturday to kick-start the Australian phase of the competition.

The Blues will get no tougher litmus test on their progress than the Easter Friday clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

The team bagged three wins in their challenging three-game schedule in a week, before resetting with an impressive victory against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

The Blues can confirm that Covid is further impacting our squad.

We are currently working through the full impacts of this situation, including in regards to this week’s fixture against the Crusaders.

The funeral for legendary Blues winger Joeli Vidiri will take place at 11am this Friday at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe.

The 49-year-old passed away last month in the United States and his New Zealand-based family and friends have worked to bring him home for a fitting farewell.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced the following schedule changes for Round 5 of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. The Crusaders v Blues match at Orangetheory Stadium will now be played on Saturday 19 March at 7:05pm. The match was initially scheduled for Sunday 20 March at 3.35pm.

The long and winding road leads to Hamilton as the nib Blues finally make their debut in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki against Matatū on Tuesday.

After a covid-decimated lead-up, the nib Blues are eager and excited to finally get on the park, and focussed on a strong first-up performance.

The Blues are pleased to confirm that Chris Major has been appointed as an independent director of Blues Rugby. Chris is the third representative appointed by the new private ownership group, the Better Blues Company Limited.