Rugby: Coach sure Blues on right road to success

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan. Photo / Greg Bowker

John Kirwan’s confidence in team’s future undaunted by Moala or other incidents

John Kirwan is adamant the Blues Super Rugby franchise is heading in the right direction, despite a difficult few days after George Moala was found guilty in the courts of assault and the termination of Peter Saili's contract.

The incidents were just the latest in a long line of bad news for the franchise over the pre-season, with speculation captain Jerome Kaino and Frank Halai could be joining Luke Braid in the exodus to Europe after this Super Rugby campaign, not to mention the unnerving sight of waka taking on water during a training exercise between Takapuna and Rangitoto.

Then there was the resignation of Gary Whetton from the Blues board - believed to be unconnected to recent events. All before the Blues conducted their first media session yesterday.

But Kirwan is philosophical and typically upbeat as his charges prepare for an internal hit-out tomorrow night at their Unitec base.

"The transformation in the franchise in the past couple of years has been outstanding: strong board, strong governance, a really good CEO who is driving what we need to stand for," said Kirwan.

"It's having clear guidelines and letting the players get on with what they do well. If everyone knows our morals and what we stand for, it should be more like plain sailing."

Moala can consider himself fortunate he has some strong advocates in his corner who have allowed him to continue doing his job until at least May 1, when sentencing takes place.

The three-quarter signed a two-year deal with the Blues in October after a superb ITM Cup with Auckland where his line-breaking was a feature. Kirwan and Blues chief executive Michael Redman said Moala has been a model professional - "outstanding in our environment" - since the assault in late 2012.

Redman was unable to shed any light on the sudden termination of Saili's contract last Friday which, by chance, fell on the same day as Moala's court case concluded.

"It would be inappropriate to make any connection between the two cases," he said.

In sunnier news for the franchise, an announcement on the pending shift to Alexandra Park is imminent.

Redman says their plan is to be ensconced in their new home by the end of the year.

Kirwan is managing the reintegration of the All Blacks to full training, with most of them away this week fulfilling All Black promotional duties.

Captain Jerome Kaino was originally flagged to appear at yesterday's media call, where he might have shed light on talk that Toulouse, one of the great clubs of Europe, though doing it tough in this season's French Top 14, were chasing his signature.

Hooker James Parsons, the Blues' newest All Black, was back at training on Monday.

Kirwan confirmed Keven Mealamu and Patrick Tuipulotu would not suit up for their opener against the Chiefs on February 14, with the hooker not likely to return until round four as he prepares for a Rugby World Cup year. Every All Black must miss at least two competition matches at suitable times.

"The main thing is that we support the All Blacks being successful and giving these guys enough time off to refresh and build for the season," he said. "It's difficult for them coming back after a break but they get into it pretty quickly. We're all in the same boat and have to work together."