Auckland coaches Pivac and Fox quit at top of their game

Auckland NPC head coach Wayne Pivac and assistant coach Grant Fox have announced they will not be re-applying for their respective positions.

Pivac and Fox have coached the team for five seasons and in that time won three NPC titles and the Ranfurly Shield.

While Pivac is yet to decide on his future, Fox will make a shift from coaching to focus on other opportunities.

"Like players, coaches have goals and our goal was to return Auckland to the No 1 spot in New Zealand rugby," said Pivac. "We also wanted to win the Ranfurly Shield and promote our players to national honours. Today Auckland has 10 All Blacks and will more than likely have an extremely high number of players in next year's Blues team. This is something I am very proud of. But now it is time to move on to other things.

"It's been a challenge and without doubt the most rewarding job I've ever had."

Fox reinforced Pivac's comments, saying that he was happy to go out on top.

"It doesn't get any better than this," said the former Auckland and All Black first five-eighths. "I've been in the job for a while now and having won the Ranfurly Shield and the NPC, what more can you ask for.

"But now it's time to focus on other areas of my life like my business and more importantly my family."

Auckland Rugby Union chief executive David White said both coaches had taken the NPC team to an outstanding level of success and that he and the rest of Auckland rugby supported and respected their decisions.

"On behalf of Auckland rugby I want to thank Wayne and Grant for all they have done for the team over the past five seasons," said White. "Their record of success is simply superb. They leave behind a depth of playing talent unmatched by any province in the country and as young coaches they could in the future have roles within the Blues franchise."

Both coaching positions have been advertised and a decision on the successful applicants will be made by the middle of November.