Former All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino, about to return home after two years in Japan, says wearing the black jersey again was the main reason for signing with the Blues.

Piri Weepu is easing his way into the new season following knee surgery

Blues assistant coach Graham Henry says Benji Marshall's fitness work is paying off after the former league international turned up for training out of condition in November.

Early fascination about the Blues' second season under John Kirwan's command will be the ideas about Charles Piutau and Benji Marshall, writes Wynne Gray.

Former All Blacks and Chiefs midfielder Sonny Bill Williams is to return to New Zealand rugby, it was announced today.

Competition for pivotal Blues' No10 jersey as Noakes overcomes potential career threatening injury.

There is little doubt that the New Zealand Super Rugby conference is the most difficult.

The All Blacks' home test schedule for next year has been confirmed, with Napier to host a Rugby Championship fixture against Argentina in September.

Top sportsmen like Benji Marshall harness their emotion to power their performance.

Fijian-born wing Nemani Nadolo probably won't be available for the Crusaders until the end of February which means he will miss the start of the season.

Benji Marshall has spoken of his nervousness as swapping league for rugby union at the Blues' Super Rugby squad announcement this morning.

When the Blues did their research on Benji Marshall, they were sure they had their man.

Ma'a Nonu has broken months of silence about his playing future, revealing he had begun to doubt his ability and saying, "I just have to be a better guy."

John Kirwan comes across with such relentless positivity that it's easy to see the good things about Ma'a Nonu's return to the Blues, but even he must know his about-turn on the wandering midfielder comes with big risks.

Coach 'thrilled' and midfielder reported to be excited about returning to the Blues.