Stephen Brett models his new strip after being drafted into the Blues squad. Photo / NZPA Expand

Stephen Brett models his new strip after being drafted into the Blues squad. Photo / NZPA

The Blues were the biggest movers and shakers of the five New Zealand Super 14 franchises who unveiled their 2010 rugby squads today.

There are nine changes to the 28-man Blues squad who underperformed in the 2009 tournament, with most changes coming in the problem area of inside backs and loose forwards.

As expected, Canterbury first five-eighth Stephen Brett is the most prominent name to move under the draft system, uprooting from the Crusaders, who regain the services of All Blacks star Daniel Carter.

Brett joins a new-look Blues backline also featuring former Hurricanes Alby Mathewson and Daniel Kirkpatrick and returning All Black Luke McAlister.

A surprise omission from the Blues is halfback Taniela Moa, perhaps the most notable player to miss a contract altogether.

Other prominent names unwanted next year include former Chiefs lock Toby Lynn and three drafted Highlanders of this year - second five-eighth Johnny Leota, No 8 George Naoupu and lock Ross Kennedy.

The Blues have overhauled their loose forward ranks, introducing Wellington flanker Serge Lilo from the draft, Aucklander Peter Saili and North Harbour pair Viliami Ma'afu and Tom Chamberlain.

There are eight changes to South Island franchises, the Crusaders and Highlanders, while the Hurricanes and last year's finalists the Chiefs have made seven each.

Halfback Junior Poluleuligaga of Bay of Plenty and Counties-Manukau fullback Tim Nanai-Williams are newcomers to the Chiefs backline but most of their changes are up front, including two new locks in Waikato's Romana Graham and Bay of Plenty's Callum Retallick.

Openside flanker Luke Braid is in for Lilo while Taranaki No 8 Jarrad Hoeata also earns a draft berth.

Three Cantabrians take root at the Hurricanes - flanker Michael Paterson, lock James Broadhurst and halfback Tyson Keats, with the latter pair both unexpected acquisitions. Exciting backs Aaron Cruden and Andre Taylor are included along with a third Manawatu newcomer, flanker Nick Crosswell.

The Crusaders have secured Aucklander Daniel Bowden as Carter's backup while two exciting backs from the Hurricanes region - Zac Guildford and Robert Fruean - add some x-factor to their back division.

Former All Blacks lock Chris Jack returns to red and black, while hooker Ti'i Paul, prop Peter Borlase and lock Sam Whitelock also boost the pack.

Exciting first five-eighth Robbie Robinson is introduced as one of 11 Southlanders in the Highlanders squad, with playmaker Michael Hobbs and transplanted Cantabrian James Paterson new among the backs.