"The opportunity I've been given to work alongside Tana is exciting and I'm looking forward to being a part of the new environment at the Blues," Feeney said.
"The fact that I have coached a large number of the squad with Auckland and the Blues Development team will be hugely beneficial," he said.
Umaga himself has made little public comment on the Blues since his appointment, until today, as he immerses himself in one last Counties Manukau campaign, but was happy to endorse Feeney's credentials.
"He's got a real passion for the area, and that's what we want, but he knows his stuff.
"He fulfils the job description, and he's a good, honest, loyal man," said Umaga, who is driving his wife crazy as he watches every minute of ITM Cup action wearing his Blues' and Steelers' hats.
"We're still doing our ITM Cup viewing. We've got the most holes to fill.
"We've got a profile of what sort of player we want in each position. We're not in a rush but we're not sitting back waiting either," Umaga said.
The Blues have 12 spots to fill and have announced no new signings yet other than their coaching staff.
Loose talk last week of Carlos Spencer returning to his old franchise in a coaching capacity proved just that.
Former Wales women's international Kylie Wilson replaces the departing Isa Nacewa as mental skills coach.
