Blues' head coach David Young is heading for New Zealand where he will link up with Graham Henry and the All Blacks' training camp.
He said, "I am going to New Zealand at the personal invitation of Graham Henry and Steve Hansen and it is an opportunity that is too good to turn down.
While he is in New Zealand, Young will observe the All Blacks' training regime at close quarters and will be with them as they prepare for and play two test matches against England.
He said, "I've now completed two years as Blues' coach but there is always something to learn and I am certainly still eager to do so. It will be fascinating to see how Graham works not only with the players but with his assistants, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith.
"Obviously it will also be interesting to see how the new coaching team there will be developing the young props in the All Blacks' squad."
Young's link-up with Henry maintains a partnership they had as coach and captain of Wales in 2000 and 2001, continued in Australia with the Lions in 2001 when Young led the midweek side, and developed further two summers ago when they coached together in Japan.