Rugby: Blues hustle to fill gaps in playing roster

Jared Payne is tipped to join the Blues. Photo / Getty Images

The Blues are believed to have signed Chiefs flanker Luke Braid and Crusaders fullback Jared Payne - and may be considering an application for their vacant coaching position from former Irish halfback Michael Bradley.

Offshore interest has been raised by the vacancy and the Blues are also moving to fill the gaps in their playing roster.

Gone from the 2010 squad are Williams, Anthony Tuitavake, Rudi Wulf, Tom Chamberlain, Serge Lilo and Viliami Ma'afu.

Luke Braid is set to join his brother Daniel, who was signed several months ago to replace Lilo, who will be available for the Hurricanes. The addition of Luke would give the Blues some back-up and choice at openside

The Blues are also closing in on Crusaders and Northland fullback Jared Payne as a direct replacement for the departed Paul Williams.

The younger Braid was seen as a necessary acquisition because Chamberlain was lost to the new Melbourne franchise. Coach Pat Lam also wants to have players like the Braids who offer continuity.

Payne is sought as an outside back (he can also play wing) to cover the losses of Williams, Tuitavake and Wulf. Having spent the last two seasons at the Crusaders, Payne is aware his game time might be limited next year by the potential arrival of Israel Dagg from the Highlanders. With Sonny Bill Williams also heading to Christchurch and Sean Maitland, Zac Guildford and Colin Slade all top class options in the back three, Payne stands a better chance of playing with the Blues. He is contracted to Northland, so the switch to the Blues makes geographical sense.

The franchise has also secured Alby Mathewson and Stephen Brett. Chris Lowrey and Peter Saili'i have re-signed through until 2012. Most of the 28 players Lam can directly sign are in place, but he will watch the provincial championship closely to see how the likes of Brent Ward, Mat Berquist and Toby Morland perform. Their experience could see them elevated to the Blues as options at wing, first five and halfback respectively.

Bradley has been the coach of Ireland's smallest province, Connacht, for the last six years. He also took charge of the Ireland team that played here in 2008 when coach-elect Declan Kidney was unable to travel due to his existing commitments with Munster.

Connacht, where Warren Gatland also cut his coaching teeth, are one of the great over-achievers of world rugby, competing in the Magners League alongside the better resourced Leinster and Munster as well as the likes of Cardiff, Edinburgh and the Scarletts.

While Connacht finished bottom of the Magners League this year, they made it to the semifinal of the Amlin Challenge Cup - the second tier European competition behind the Heineken Cup - losing to Toulon in the semifinal.

Bradley announced last November that he would step down at the end of the current season and is now looking for coaching work. It is understood a number of overseas-based applicants have made contact hoping to work as Pat Lam's assistant now the role, held for the last two years by Shane Howarth, has been advertised.

Bryce Woodward is the only local candidate to so far declare his interest but it is thought interest has come in from across the country.