All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu will be the Blues captain for the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Tuipulotu, who led the side in 2019-21, said the captaincy was something he didn't take lightly.
The 99-cap Blues leader said, "The feeling you get leading this side into battle each week is something special.
"We've got a core of experienced Blues men who lead in their own way, and it's my job to empower that group of leaders to help propel the team forward."
The honour of captaincy also brought a weight of expectation because the side represented the people of the Auckland-North Harbour-Northland region, and the players sought success for them every time they pulled on the jersey, he said.
"We've set ourselves high standards for the 2024 campaign, we believe we have the squad to do something special and we're working hard in the pre-season to make that a reality."
Incoming head coach Vern Cotter acknowledged that Tuipulotu has a strong influence on the players.
"He is a natural leader in this group; he's an experienced head with nearly 100 caps and has the respect of the players around him. I'm confident he'll do an excellent job.
"We've got a group of guys in our squad with a range of leadership experience, so they'll provide a sounding board and help lighten the load," he said.
