Rugby: Woodward appointed Blues assistant coach

Bryce Woodward. Photo / Northern Advocate

Northland coach Bryce Woodward was today named assistant coach of the Blues for next year's Super's 15 rugby competition.

Woodward's appointment as assistant to Blues coach Pat Lam is effective immediately, although he will continue to coach Northland in this year's national provincial championship.

Woodward has twice coached the New Zealand under-21 side to world champion titles. This year he coached the Blues development squad.

Blues chief executive Andy Dalton welcomed Woodward's appointment, saying his "significant" coaching experience with provincial and national squads would be invaluable to the franchise.

Woodward said he was excited and ready to step up to his new role.

"This is a natural move for me and I'm looking forward to working with Pat and the team," he said.

Woodward coached Northland in 1999-2002 and returned to the province last year.

This year he coached the New Zealand Barbarians side against the New Zealand Maori.

- NZPA