Blues hooker Keven Mealamu has returned to New Zealand after failing to recover from a calf injury.

The veteran All Blacks No 2 pulled out of last week's clash with the Bulls due to the injury. He will now miss this weekend's game against the Lions at Ellis Park.

Blues coach John Kirwan said he was sending Mealamu home as a precaution. A torn calf muscle would rule Mealamu out for 12 weeks.

Mealamu is expected to be available for the Blues' next game in Auckland against the Cheetahs on 22 March.

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