Auckland Blues

The Blues were established by the New Zealand Rugby Union in 1996 to take part in the newly formed Super 12 competition representing the Auckland, Counties Manukau and Thames Valley unions. The Blues dominated the early years of Super Rugby winning back to back titles in 1996 and 1997.

By the end of the 1990’s, a switch of Provincial Unions with neighbours the Chiefs brought players from North Harbour and Northland into the Blues and saw Counties and Thames Valley aligned closer to home with the Chiefs.

The Blues made the finals in 1998, brought home their third Super Rugby title in 2003, reached the semi-finals in 2007 and 2011 and then won their fourth Championship in 2021.