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

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.

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.

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

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.

Lunch, tours of Eden Park and the waterfront - the Blues displayed their hospitality, business and sporting charms to Benji Marshall yesterday as they continued to woo the league star to their franchise.

If the financial details can be sorted, Jerome Kaino wants to sign on for the Blues' next campaign as the opening bid in his attempt to make the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

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.

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.

A layer of talent arrived who were new to Super 15 or had just dipped their toes into the tournament last year.

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.