New Zealand's Super rugby conference is primed for a high-octane start next year with a clash between the Chiefs and Crusaders.

Former All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino has signed a two-year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Blues.

All Black wing Julian Savea has ended weeks of speculation by pledging his allegiance to Wellington and the Hurricanes.

Tony Woodcock returning to base, Jerome Kaino on the prowl once more - the market is looking brighter for the Blues and All Blacks even if Rene Ranger is slipping the leash.

Former Hamilton mayor Michael Redman will direct the revamped Blues franchise.

The Ma'a Nonu saga will come to an end next week when he's expected to be granted permission to skip Super rugby.

The Crusaders continue to wait on Julian Savea, with an apparently straightforward process - stay with the Hurricanes or move on - looking increasingly complicated.

Blues coach John Kirwan has pitched a personal proposal to former All Black Jerome Kaino to rejoin his Super 15 rugby franchise.

The Crusaders have made a big step towards making up for the loss of Dan Carter next season with the expected signing of All Blacks wing Julian Savea from the Hurricanes.

A surprise return to the Blues is on the cards for Tony Woodcock, with the new test centurion expected to announce this week where he will be playing Super Rugby in 2014.

Not one, but two supreme opportunities are there for Aaron Cruden in Sydney on Saturday.

If Sonny Bill Williams returns to the Chiefs next year, as is now expected, then Dave Rennie's side just took a big stride towards title No3.

A group of Auckland's aspiring rugby players had a lesson from the Super 15 champion Chiefs to raise funds for charity yesterday.

The Blues want to talk to double rugby-league international Mat Rogers to help Benji Marshall ease into the 15-man code.

There's been a wave of negative drivel about Marshall and, by extension, Blues coach Sir John Kirwan.

Beauden Barrett missed a trick not coming to the Blues. He might feel safe at the Hurricanes and boosted by the growing vibe that Ma'a Nonu will not be a troublesome midfielder outside him.

The Highlanders have not shut the door on Ma'a Nonu but have not heard from the midfield back or his agent since April.

Super rugby chiefs are considering splitting the three-conference system into two from 2016 and adding two teams from Argentina.

As they do online, some bloke put his house on Benji Marshall being an All Black next season.

There was a lot of pressure and expectation surrounding a kid who recently turned 22 and has only eight test caps to his name.

The Blues' first five-eighths intrigues have taken another turn with Chris Noakes heading for neck surgery.

The Crusaders had momentum going into the play-offs, but tripped up again. Not good enough for a team with seven titles, writes Patrick McKendry.