Jason Holland is set to be unveiled as the next Blues head coach.
The Blues have acted swiftly to land their next long-term mentor since Vern Cotter confirmed he would move on to join the Queensland Reds next year.
Late last year, incoming All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, Holland and Ian Foster were quickly identified as targets to replace Cotter.
Rennie rebuffed the Blues’ initial approach before contesting the coveted All Blacks job alongside Jamie Joseph. In the weeks that followed, discussions with Foster did not progress and Holland rapidly emerged as Cotter’s successor in waiting.
Holland will be appointed to a long-term deal to lead the Blues from next year as the franchise seeks stability and to build on the foundations Cotter has laid.
The Blues and Hurricanes players were informed of Holland’s appointment yesterday, with an official announcement imminent.
With the majority of this season yet to play out, there will be a somewhat delicate transition phase.
After stepping back from his All Blacks assistant duties at the end of last year, before Scott Robertson’s exit, Holland returned to Clark Laidlaw’s Hurricanes coaching staff this season.
Cotter is determined to see out his final season with the Blues by delivering a third title in four years before departing for Australia.
Likewise, Holland is committed to doing everything he can to help guide the Hurricanes to their second Super Rugby championship and their first in a decade.
While this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition is wide open, the Hurricanes and Blues entered this weekend at the top of the table.
As the season progresses, there is every chance they could meet in the knockout stages.
Holland’s return to the Hurricanes was only ever likely to be temporary.
With extensive playing and coaching experience in Ireland, Taranaki, Manawatū, Canterbury, Wellington and on the test scene, it was a matter of time before a more influential opportunity came knocking.
Holland is widely regarded as a man-manager who cares for his athletes.
Joining the Blues will require a significant shift in loyalty, though, after graduating from four years as assistant to lead the Hurricanes from 2020 to 2023, compiling a 56.1% win record from 57 matches in charge.
He left the Hurricanes to serve as an All Blacks assistant coach in 2024, but after limited involvement in the attack and selection, he opted not to renew his contract before Robertson’s removal.
Holland’s appointment to the Blues could mark a notable shift in tone from the vastly experienced Cotter, who was often dubbed “Stern Vern”.
Attention will soon turn to the Blues’ existing coaching team that comprises Paul Tito, Greg Feek, Jason O’Halloran, Craig McGrath and Daniel Halangahu.
While some will be retained beyond this year, Holland is likely to bring in others with whom he has worked before.
Cotter may also attempt to convince highly regarded defence coach McGrath to join him at the Reds.
The Blues are also preparing to farewell several senior players at the end of the season, including stand-in captain Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu and AJ Lam.
Holland has been hired with recruitment and retention front of mind, knowing that others, such as veteran playmaker Beauden Barrett, are likely to leave after next year’s World Cup.