Jonathan Ruru signs with the Blues

Otago halfback Jono Ruru has signed with the Blues for next year's Super Rugby season.

Ruru will join current halfbacks Augustine Pulu and Sam Nock in the Blues squad on a one-year deal.

Ruru's rise to securing a Super Rugby contract started with a phone call last year.

Then, the halfback was fourth in line for Hawke's Bay behind their No1, Brad Weber.

Rather than wait his turn to add to his one provincial cap, Ruru made contact with Otago and was soon in Dunedin playing club rugby.

Impressive club form and a season-ending knee injury to then first-choice Otago halfback Josh Renton resulted in Ruru soon running out in blue and gold.

The halfback's rise did not stop at provincial level for later last season he pulled on the New Zealand sevens jersey at the Dubai and Cape Town legs of the world series