One of the elder statesmen of the team and one of the youngest have extended their stay at the Blues.

Bryce Heem, 32, and Zarn Sullivan, who recently turned 21, have extended their contracts at the club.

Family-friendly afternoon games in summer will feature for Super Rugby Trans-Tasman champion Blues in Super Rugby Pacific 2022.

Three of the seven home games for the Blues will be afternoon kick-offs, including the opening game at Eden Park against exciting competition newcomers, the Fijian Drua on Saturday 19 February.

When James Lay found out his troublesome foot injury would sideline him from the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Championship, then there seemed only one logical option.

His slightly older brother Jordan has stepped in, selected by Blues head coach Leon MacDonald to join the strong group of props at the club, and by doing so, the Lay brothers continue to mimic each other’s rugby careers.

The nib Blues have announced a squad packed with proven performers and talented tyros for the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki competition.

The 26-strong squad was announced today that includes 12 current or recent Black Ferns and seven players aged 20 years and younger.

The Blues have named a strong coaching group for the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki women’s competition in March next year.

Current Auckland Storm FPC coach Willie Walker, already announced as head coach of the nib Blues, will be supported by assistant coaches Mel Bosman and James Semple for the inaugural competition.

Both have strong pedigrees in coaching and in women’s rugby.