Rugby: New Zealand Rugby appoints John Hart, Richard Dellabarca and Sam Lotu-Iiga to Blues Super Rugby board

John Hart. Photo / Photosport

Former All Blacks coach John Hart was happy to step on to the board of the Blues, but insists New Zealand Rugby's presence on it will be temporary.

Hart, along with Richard Dellabarca and Sam Lotu-Iiga, was appointed to the board for the Super Rugby club by NZR, after an independent review of the club's governance structure.

"My understanding is it's an interim move," Hart told Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave of his appointment.

"NZR have stepped in as an interim move and ultimately they'll want to bring back some private equity interest. That will take time. All the other franchises have that structure and I'm sure that's where the New Zealand Union see the Blues of the future."

Hart, who coached the All Blacks from 1996-1999, has strong ties to the game in the Auckland region. A former coach of the province, Hart is a life member of the Auckland union.

"I'm a passionate rugby man, I'm a passionate Aucklander and we'd all like to see the Blues do well.

"I guess they're hoping I might be able to help the board in terms of governance and decision-making around the football team, but I'm just a board member – one of six or seven.

"I'm going on as a board member to meet with the board and come up with strategies to support the management team. I don't see it going beyond that at the moment."

Current NZR board member Dellabarca and NZR committee member Lotu-Iiga join Hart on the Blues' board, with the appointments being made as part of the NZR's 40 per cent partnership interest in the club.

The trio all have a proven background in the sport which NZR chief executive Steve Tew said was an important part of the selection.

"We are pleased that John, Richard and Sam are available to represent New Zealand Rugby's partnership interest in the Blues Super Rugby club.

"Their collective skills will extend the existing depth of experience of the Blues Board and in combination with other recent changes to the coaching team and re-signing and recruitment of key players, this is one of many steps to help rebuild the success of the club."