Australia will also play Gloucester at Kingsholm on their tour, which will incorporate a Grand Slam attempt with Tests against England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Blues are yet to play an international side, although their predecessors, Cardiff RFC, hold and unbeaten record against the Wallabies.

"It's also a great opportunity for those players who have not played international rugby to play against one of the best teams in the world," said Blues boss Dai Young. "This will be the first time the Blues have played against an international team and hopefully the fans will turn out in force to support the team on what promises to be a great occasion."

Woodcock, New Zealand's premier loosehead prop, and rookie lock Boric confirmed on Thursday they were staying put at the Blues and North Harbour by signing two-year deals. The pair were rumoured to be on the verge of moving to a rival Super rugby franchise, possibly the Chiefs, but have remained loyal after some financial restructuring, to the relief of the Blues and North Harbour.

An agreement was reached after some wage stresses were removed from North Harbour, who pay a chunk of the duo's salary despite them rarely turning out for the province. The Blues have absorbed some of the wage bill -- a move that enabled the franchise to ward off any potential rivals.

Blues coach Pat Lam said he was delighted 58-cap front rower Woodcock and the versatile Boric, who has played 10 tests, had re-signed. "It's awesome these senior boys have again committed to the Blues and North Harbour, despite considerable pressure from other franchises," Lam said.

The head coach also felt their presence would counter suggestions players were keen to leave the franchise. "There's been a lot of talk about us being dysfunctional and our culture and things like that, but if people who have been in there have re-signed maybe that's not quite the truth."

Back-rower Boer made over 180 appearances in a seven year spell in the West Country and captained the side between 2002 and 2004, returning to his native South Africa at the end of the 2006-07 season. He has been registered for European action and could play a part in this weekend's showdown with Biarritz

Lowe will oversee all medical and physiotherapy services, coach education and development planning and also all specialised coaching throughout Scottish rugby.