Hickey in Blues touring squad

Editor

Impressive Blues fly-half Simon Hickey has been named in the franchise's squad to tour South Africa this month.

Impressive Blues fly-half Simon Hickey has been named in the franchise's squad to tour South Africa this month.

The Blues have named a 27-man squad for their two week tour.

Sir John Kirwan's men play the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday before taking on the Lions at Ellis Park a week later.

Having recently arrived from Japan, both Hayden Triggs and Jerome Kaino will remain in New Zealand alongside a number of injured players including Ma'a Nonu, Francis Saili, Jamison Gibson-Park and Baden Kerr.

The squad features a number of players who have not travelled to the Republic before, including Benji Marshall, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jordan Manihera, Simon Hickey, Tevita Li and Liaki Moli.

Blues squad to tour South Africa:

Forwards: Luke Braid, Tom Donnelly, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua, Jordan Manihera, Tom McCartney, Keven Mealamu, Liaki Moli, Brendon O'Connor, James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Peter Saili, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Tony Woodcock.

Backs: Pita Ahki, Frank Halai, Bryn Hall, Simon Hickey, Tevita Li, Benji Marshall, George Moala, Chris Noakes, Charles Piutau, Piri Weepu, Jackson Willison.