Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu sidelined with a fractured jaw

Blues will miss the services of skipper Patrick Tuipulotu for a lengthy period following a fractured jaw.

The All Blacks lock sustained the blow during the pre-season fixture against Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan last weekend.

Blues head coach Vern Cotter revealed the news on the 31-year-old and said that he is likely to undergo a surgery that will see him sidelined for eight to ten weeks.

"This is a tough blow for Patrick, especially early on in the season," Cotter said.

"We wish Paddy a speedy recovery knowing he'll still offer plenty to the group from a leadership perspective over the next few weeks.

"This is a resilient group and we've got a strong stock of locks to call on while he recovers."

Blues will kick start their 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season with a clash against Fijian Drua on 24th February.