The Blues have failed in their bid to rush back Beauden Barrett for the Super Rugby play-offs after the All Blacks playmaker was ruled ineligible for next month's knockout phase.
The 123-test veteran is back training with the Blues after his sabbatical in Japan with Toyota Verblitz ended earlier this month, but has been ruled out of any playoff action by governing body Sanzaar.
"Beauden Barrett was not able to meet the stipulated requirements for dispensation and as such he has been ruled ineligible for Super Rugby Finals," said tournament director Matt Barlow in a statement.
The Blues had hoped Barrett could provide cover for injured full-back Zarn Sullivan, who has a torn knee ligament.
AFP understands that Barrett, who would still have been eligible to play in this weekend’s final round of regular season games, will not now be selected by the Blues to face Chiefs on Saturday.
Barrett is back in New Zealand to prepare for the international season, which starts in July when the All Blacks host two tests against England.