All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino will be tasked with leading the Blues in next year's Super Rugby competition.
The 31-year-old takes over from Luke Braid who steered the side that finished bottom of the New Zealand conference this season.
Coach Sir John Kirwan said Kaino was a natural choice to captain the side after making his return to Super Rugby this season after two years in Japan.
"Jerome brings everything you want in a captain - leadership on the field, leadership off the field. He is also an X-factor player. As a team we want to be resilient and relentless and Jerome is that sort of player," he said.
Kirwan said Braid was supportive of the change and would remain in the leadership group.
The 38-strong squad includes former All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan, Southland lock Josh Bekhuis and former Highlanders and Crusaders pivot Dan Bowden.
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