New Blue: Brendon O'Connor
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The Blues have signed up Southland back Marty McKenzie and Crusaders flank Brendon O'Connor for the 2013 and 2014 Super Rugby seasons.
Both players have come through the New Zealand age-group system, with Blues coach Sir John Kirwan believing it's vital to explore the wealth of young rugby talent on offer in the country.
"This last season, I think it was the young guys who really stole the show across the New Zealand franchises and we saw the coming of age for some pretty special rugby players," Kirwan revealed to the Blues website on Wednesday.
Currently playing for Southland, the 20-year-old McKenzie has had a strong start to his ITM Cup campaign and Kirwan likes what he sees.
"Marty is a young player who we've been watching for a while. He has stacks of talent and I believe giving him the opportunity to step up to Super Rugby level at the Blues will see him flourish."
McKenzie is excited about his first move to Auckland to join the Blues under the new coaches and be part of their 2013 campaign.
"It's an awesome opportunity to be coached by the new Blues coaching staff and I want to be part of the Blues in this rebuilding phase which could be the start of something pretty great," he said.
23-year-old O'Connor, who has had two years in the Crusaders camp is a loose forward who Kirwan believes has shown a lot of potential and deserves time on the field.
"He's a strong and mobile player, with a solid defensive game and we are keen to get our hands on him to develop his Super Rugby ability within our squad," said Kirwan.
O'Connor is currently recovering from knee surgery sustained during a club match but Kirwan said he will hit the ground running when they gather in December for pre-season.
"I've had a couple of conversations with JK and I really liked what he had to say. This is exciting times and I am determined to make the most of this opportunity at the Blues," said O'Connor.
Another player secured for the future is 20-year-old Auckland tighthead Ofa Tu'ungafasi.
"Ofa is one for the future. Having come through Auckland Rugby's development programme, he has represented the union and the Blues franchise in age-group and development sides, and his progress at provincial level is pretty exciting," Kirwan explained, with Tu'ungafasi signed for the 2014/15 seasons.
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