Andrew Van der Heijden has been called in to bolster the Blues’ injury-hit locking stocks for the team’s two remaining Super Rugby games.

Van der Heijden joins the squad after Anthony Boric and Ali Williams were ruled out with injuries and Filo Paulo was suspended for the rest of the season.

Van der Heijden played three times for the Blues in 2010 before heading to the Newcastle Falcons in England.

He returned to New Zealand after signing for Auckland’s provincial championship team and was called into the squad just a month after his return.

“It’s awesome to be back and it feels like home,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and, hopefully, getting some game time.”

Blues coach Pat Lam says 11 of his players are out of action, including five All Blacks.

“It’s been the story of our season really right from day one and particularly at lock.”

The Blues have a bye after the Test window ends this weekend before playing their final matches against the Western Force at home on July 7 and the Brumbies away a week later.