Rugby: Nonu no-show again as Kirwan does about turn
Coach 'thrilled' and midfielder reported to be excited about returning to the Blues.
Coach 'thrilled' and midfielder reported to be excited about returning to the Blues.
Veteran All Black Ma'a Nonu is returning to the Blues for the 2014 Super 15 season, the franchise announced today.
The Blues felt badly let down by Ma'a Nonu after last year but he may return for next season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As they do online, some bloke put his house on Benji Marshall being an All Black next season.
The Blues' first five-eighths intrigues have taken another turn with Chris Noakes heading for neck surgery.
Failed to kick on from the mid-series mark and ended with six straight losses - Patrick McKendry rates the Blues' 2013 season.
Benji Marshall has given verbal confirmation he will sign with the Blues but Beauden Barrett confirmed last night he will be staying with the Hurricanes.
Benji Marshall hasn't signed with the Blues yet but an announcement is expected soon.
The Blues have been boosted by Benji Marshall's positive reaction about playing Super 15 rugby next season and have made an offer to the Kiwi five-eighth.
Referees say it's knowing when to show the yellow card that troubles them.
A layer of talent arrived who were new to Super 15 or had just dipped their toes into the tournament last year.
Blues coach Sir John Kirwan and ceo Andy Dalton are flying to Sydney this weekend to talk to Benji Marshall about coming to the franchise.
All the buzz is about Benji Marshall but a greater mission for the Blues will be finding a centre to replace Rene Ranger.
The Blues will have to self-fund their deal to bring Benji Marshall to Auckland as the New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed it is unlikely to provide much.
With speculation Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall is set to jump codes, we look at why the Blues wouldn't be wise to sign him.
The chances of Benji Marshall switching to rugby and playing for the Blues took a step closer last night.
A year from now and who will recall that the Blues, reduced to 14 men for most of the game and 13 for a period, played so gamely and effectively against such monumental odds?