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.

Making hay while the sun shines is old, cliched advice, but also perfect for Julian Savea as he weighs up respective offers from the Crusaders, Chiefs and Hurricanes.

Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Jerome Kaino; the Chiefs aren't looking to build a squad for next year, they want to make a monster.

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.

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.

Sonny Bill Williams is set to give New Zealand rugby a massive boost by committing to play for the Chiefs in their next campaign.

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.

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.

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.