Super Rugby
All Blacks analyst joins Blues as assistant coach
August 18, 2015
Blues captain Jerome Kaino (L) welcomes Tana Umaga (R) as the Blues Head Coach, Blues press conference, Super Rugby , Alexandra Park, Auckland, June 23, 2015
Blues captain Jerome Kaino recently welcomes Tana Umaga as the Blues's head coach © Getty Images
Enlarge

All Blacks performance analyst Alistair Rogers is heading to the Blues to be one of new coach Tana Umaga's assistants. Rogers will take up a two-year deal with the Super Rugby franchise after this year's World Cup.

The Welshman will have responsibility for defence and will join incumbent forwards coach Glenn Moore. The Blues are also looking for an assistant coach with responsibility for backs and skills.

Rogers, who has been with the All Blacks for seven years, says he is keen to return to a full-time coaching role.

A former professional player, he has coached the Ballina club in Ireland, was defence coach at Honda in Japan, and had a spell as Hurricanes assistant defence coach last year.

Umaga says attracting Rogers from the All Blacks is significant for the Blues' development.

"Alistair is at the forefront of development in a critically important part of the game at the highest level," Umaga said. "He is highly thought of by the All Blacks coaches and players alike and I'm absolutely thrilled he is coming to a full-time coaching position with us."

© AAP

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices