Japan World Cup player Male Sa'u is a late callup for the Blues in Super Rugby next season.

The Auckland-born utility back has signed a one-year contract and will replace Dan Bowden who has been granted an early release from the squad by mutual consent to pursue rugby opportunities overseas.

The 28-year-old former Counties Manukau player is the second belated addition to Tana Umaga's squad out of Japan after the recent announcement of former All Black and Super Rugby centurion Tanerau Latimer to bolster the loose forward ranks.

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Sa'u, a former national age-group representative, moved to Japan in 2008 where he has played for Yamaha Jubilo. Last year he played for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby.

He has played 26 times for Japan under Eddie Jones since his first selection in 2013 and was a key member of the World Cup squad that performed so creditably in England.

"Male is a strong runner to the line and is now an experienced player at international level," Umaga said. "He can also play in a number of positions in the backline which is invaluable.

"We have a very young team and Male will add experience as well as undoubted ability."

Sa'u said he was looking forward to the opportunity to spend time in his home city of Auckland with family and friends.

"I left Counties Manukau before Tana arrived, but I've spoken to some of the guys who have been under him, and they said Tana helped them a lot with their rugby development.

"I am going to give it 100 per cent. I like the attacking style of the Blues. There will be heaps of new faces there but they can give you that excitement in playing a new style of rugby."