This doesn't suprise me at all. It had been confirmed in the UK but not in NZ. Something wasn't right, the last game of the season wasn't a "fairewell" game for donald even though they had made a big deal about the fact Aled, Sivivatu and Sweeney were leaving there was no comment from Donald or the chiefs on where he would be next season.
I think even though a section of the NZ public hate Donald he still wants to play in NZ and he still has a lot to offer. But the apointment of Renee as Coach of the chiefs pretty much meant that Donald was going to have to find a new team.
As far as him going to the blues it makes sense. Gareth Anscombe is a great young tallent but it will be a big ask for him to run the ship of NZ's most important super franchise at ~20 years of age and no super rugby experience. Either way you need more than one 1st five in a game day 22. And I think it would be a very good fit, I think Donald and Nonu get along well in the all blacks.
At least the Blues will have a 10 that can tackle... Two in fact Anscombe's sholder looks ok.
have to wait and see if that becomes a reality but where there is smoke there is fire. And that's a lot of smoke.
Shame to see Donald leave the chiefs but he has no place there with Renee & Cruden there. I wouldn't be suprised if like Aled (and maybe others too), Donald had been told he wasn't needed.