Rugby: Nucifora's Aussie move denied

David Nucifora was reported to have joined the Australian Rugby Union. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Blues and the Australian Rugby Union have both denied reports David Nucifora has accepted the job as head of the Australian Rugby Union high performance unit.

Radio Sport yesterday reported the former Brumbies coach will replace Pat Howard in the job at the end of this year's Super 14 season.

Blues coach Nucifora is off contract this year and has been consistently linked with the ARU role.

He has also been linked with the soon to be vacant NSW Waratahs coaching position.

But the Blues and the Auckland Rugby Union denied the move, as did the ARU last night.

Nucifora took over as Blues head coach in 2005, having been axed from the Brumbies job midway through the previous season, in which the Canberra-based side won the Super 12 tournament.

- NZPA, AAP