By CHRIS RATTUE
New Blues coach Gordon Hunter has inoperable cancer but is determined to continue his top-level coaching career.
The 50-year-old Hunter will undergo chemotherapy treatment but said yesterday that he would "resume active coaching when the Blues assemble on January 24."
The former Otago coach and All Black selector said he
was confident of a complete recovery. Hunter, who has been in Dunedin, yesterday headed to his parents' home in Southland.
His wife, Jenni, said: "Gordon has faced battles in the past and I am certain that he will use his inner strength to beat the latest problem."
The Rugby Football Union, which employs Hunter as a Super 12 coach, gave him its full backing to continue in charge of the Blues.
Chief executive David Rutherford said he understood Hunter would be able to complete all his coaching tasks, including the extensive travel involved in the competition.
"We are 100 per cent behind Gordon and his family. When you hear news like this it puts everything else in life into perspective," he said.
"Gordon has been totally upfront with me about what's going on and good on him for fronting up to the public.
"I'm the sort of person who trusts the people who work for me and if Gordon says he can continue coaching, then I trust that. If any contingencies arise - and there's no reason to think there will be - we will deal with them then."
Mr Rutherford said that if for any reason Hunter could not continue coaching, "I'm sure he will be the first to tell us."
Jenni Hunter said: "Gordon would not have continued to coach the Blues if he was not confident that he could do the job.
"I don't think it will be easy, life never is. It is just another fight we have on our hands."
Hunter was diagnosed with the disease just over a week ago, after going to his doctor with a husky voice. An x-ray revealed a small tumour.
Mrs Hunter said her husband was determined to follow former national netball coach Lois Muir and Highlanders coach Peter Sloane, who had both beaten cancer. Sloane was planning to take the Highlanders team to visit Hunter today.
Muir had a breast removed while Sloane came back from cancer to become the All Black assistant coach.
Hunter left the police force last year after 27 years. He lost his left eye in an accident 25 years ago.
He took University A and Dunedin to Dunedin premier championships before coaching Otago from 1992-95. He was an All Black selector for four years.
Hunter was appointed to coach the Blues, assisted by Frank Oliver, after Jed Rowlands was dumped.
The Auckland Rugby Union declined to comment.
By CHRIS RATTUE
New Blues coach Gordon Hunter has inoperable cancer but is determined to continue his top-level coaching career.
The 50-year-old Hunter will undergo chemotherapy treatment but said yesterday that he would "resume active coaching when the Blues assemble on January 24."
The former Otago coach and All Black selector said he
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