Publications
Partners
Auckland - The Blues announced they will stage the first ever game of Super Rugby to be played in Samoa later this year.
The Blues said the match would be a 'home' fixture against the Reds in Apia on Friday, June 2.
Blues chief executive Michael Redman said the move was a way for the Auckland-based franchise to reward their strong Samoan following.
"Our Blues region is home to around 150 000 proud Samoans and we have 15 players in our team with Samoan heritage, along with our head coach Tana Umaga," he said.
The Chiefs played the first Super Rugby match in the Pacific islands last year, when they faced the Crusaders in the Fiji capital Suva.
The All Blacks also played a Test against Samoa in Apia in July 2015, saying it was a gesture of thanks for the contribution the Pacific islands have made to New Zealand rugby.
