Blues coach John Kirwan has already made mention of his satisfaction at Steven Luatua's leadership at this early stage of the season.

The people of Albany, a suburb of Auckland's North Shore given over largely to big box retailers and franchise universities, was surprised on Saturday night when a Super Rugby match broke out at North Harbour Stadium.

New season, same old problems for Blues coach John Kirwan, who must consider a delicate juggling act with his loose forwards ahead of the first competition game against the Chiefs.

New Zealand's sevens sensation Rieko Ioane has the Blues to thank for honing his form, with coach John Kirwan comparing his style to Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams.

You may not have heard of them now, but you probably will during the Super Rugby season. Our rugby writers look at who is likely to be the breakout for each franchise this season.

Twelve months is a long time in professional rugby.

This time last year, an outstanding pre-season campaign set up Patrick Tuipulotu for inclusion in the All Blacks after only a handful of games for the Blues.

The Blues will today officially announce a new $4 million purpose-built training and administrative headquarters at Alexandra Park in Auckland.

The shadow of two World Cups hangs over Super Rugby, which kicks off next Friday, February 13.

New Zealand's five Super Rugby teams will officially launch their season in Auckland this morning.

Dream Team Fantasy Super Rugby is the ultimate test of your rugby knowledge.

Two Blues players who recently appeared in court - one waiting for sentencing on assault charges - took to the field in a pre-season game last night.

Dave Rennie is not putting all his coaching eggs in the All Blacks basket for when his new Chiefs contract expires in 2017.

Willi Heinz, 28, allowed himself to shed a couple of tears as he was carried off the field at Timaru last Saturday. Moments earlier he had heard a loud bang.

The lure of the 2017 Lions tour could be the clincher for Jerome Kaino to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby.

John Kirwan is adamant the Blues Super Rugby franchise is heading in the right direction, despite a difficult few days after George Moala was found guilty in the courts of assault and the termination of Peter Saili's contract.

George Moala is free to train, play and travel with the Blues until May 1, despite being found guilty last week of assault.