Sir John Kirwan resigns as Blues coach gallery
LIAM NAPIER AND TOBY ROBSON
Last updated 11:20, June 19 2015
John Kirwan has resigned as Blues coach amid reports former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga will take over the job for the next three years.
Kirwan finally fell on his sword a week after a painful Super Rugby season that saw the Blues win just three matches to finish 14th in the 15-team competition.
In stepping aside, Kirwan confirmed he had initially put forward a proposal to the Blues board to carry on, but had reconsidered over the past few days having talked with his family, colleagues and friends.
Sir John Kirwan has had a tough three seasons at the Blues with just a 35 per cent winning record.
Anthony Au-Yeung/ Photosport
Sir John Kirwan has had a tough three seasons at the Blues with just a 35 per cent winning record.
"I had a chance to take a breath and reflect about the situation, my future and above all my love of this Blues club and the players," the 50-year-old Kirwan said.
"People who know me well know that I do not walk away from a challenge and that was what was driving me because I know what has been set-up in terms of organisational structure in the last two years.
"However I always said that if I didn't bring about the results that the players, the club and the fans wanted, then I would step aside."
After three miserly years that saw the Blues win just 35 per cent of their matches under the coaching of the legendary All Blacks wing, his departure will be a relief for the suffering fan base.
However, there will be some concern that the Blues board continues to dither with no announcement on Kirwan's replacement.
Umaga is heavily tipped to take the reins at the Blues with former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith coming on board in some capacity.
The Blues said in a statement that an announcement about the new coaching structure would be made "as soon as practicable".
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/s...as-blues-coach
