Blues sign youngsters

THE BLUES have added New Zealand age-grade stars Brendon O’Connor and Marty McKenzie to their roster.

The pair has signed deals which will see them aligned to the Auckland-based franchise for the 2013 and 2014 Super Rugby seasons.

Both flanker O’Connor (pictured) and outside back McKenzie have represented the New Zealand Under 20 side in recent seasons.

Coach Sir John Kirwan believes it is important for the franchise to explore the young talent that is progressing through the ranks.

“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,” he says

O’Connor, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, has had two years with the Crusaders’ wider training squad.

“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,” says Kirwan.

McKenzie is currently plying his trade with Southland and has made a promising start to his ITM Cup campaign.

“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,” says Kirwan.

The Blues have also picked up the services of Auckland tighthead prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi for the 2014/15 seasons.