Photo: Getty ImagesAll Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu will not report for duty with the Blues Super Rugby franchise next week and will be sidelined indefinitely by an "ongoing personal matter". They are due back with the Super Rugby franchises next week to begin pre-season training. New Zealand Rugby Players' Association rep Rob Nichol has confirmed Tuipulotu will not be among them, but would not elaborate any further on the issue. Meanwhile, the Blues are poised to announce an official Super Rugby match in Samoa this year. It won't be the first time a Super Rugby competition match has been played outside the Sanzaar catchment.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 26, 2017 19:10 UTC