Rugby: Blues open global search for new coach

Former All Black John Kirwan. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The Blues have opened their official global search for a new head coach with an answer expected by the end of next month.

Restrictions have been eased to allow any coach to apply for the role, rather than just those with recent experience in New Zealand.

International coaches such as Nick Mallett, Martin Johnson, John Kirwan, Eddie Jones, John Mitchell, Robbie Deans, Kieran Crowley, Jake White and Peter de Villiers could all apply.

The change came after consultation between the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Blues, which led to advertisements on the NZRU website, Sport NZ and national newspapers this weekend.

Sources said the Blues have been fielding inquiries from sporting agents and prospective coaches about the franchise's needs and plans for next season.

The advertisement does not give specifics about changes the Blues may implement in their structure in 2013.

However, the NZRU, Blues and independent members on the interview panel will get a strong feel for changes that are needed when they interview prospective head coaches.

There is a strong belief that a general manager or director of rugby should be appointed to run the Blues and deal with issues like contracting, organisation and logistics so the coach can go about his business.

That coach is likely to have several fulltime assistants and other technical experts to advise in their specialist areas.

In recent seasons the NZRU has paid for the coach and an assistant with franchises picking up other staff bills.

Applications for the Blues job close on June 22, the day before the All Blacks play their third and last test against Ireland, in Hamilton.

Others who have been interested, such as Vern Cotter at Clermont and Joe Schmidt at Leinster will not apply as they have extended contracts with their clubs. But someone with Kiwi connections like John Plumtree at the Sharks might think about a change.

Rob Penney has taken up a deal with Munster but other domestic coaches who may show interest in the coaching or some subsidiary role may include Pat Lam and his current assistant Bryce Woodward, Wayne Pivac, Liam Barry, Peter Russell or perhaps Kevin Schuler.

The Blues are looking for a head coach who shows leadership, tactical and technical coaching on an individual and collective level, people management and high-performance development.

The coach is due to take up his duties at the end of the Super rugby season, which, for the Blues, will be once they have played their pool game against the Brumbies on July 14.