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Blues CEO fronts up over appalling record, hints Umaga may get contract extension

April 24, 2018

"Changing coaches every cycle hasn't worked," Michael Redman said.

Blues chief executive Michael Redman hasn't confirmed who will be the head coach of his struggling Super Rugby side next season but he did hint the man currently filling the role could still be there.

Redman addressed media today after the Blues 15th consecutive loss to a New Zealand rival in Super Rugby to clear the air around rumours involving the team and management.

With Umaga's current contract running out at the end of this season, Redman was pressed for what future the former All Black captain has at the Auckland franchise.

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"There's plenty of support for Tana within New Zealand rugby and the Blues," Redman said.

"We think he has a great rugby brain, he has the respect of the players, he has my support and the support of the board so we'll work through a process to determine what the coaching group looks like.

"Obviously, the head coach is the most important appointment we make but he's one of four or five – I think getting the coaching group right around whoever the head coach is is important.

"Changing coaches every cycle hasn't worked for the Blues."

When challenged if his initial comments meant the assistant coaches, including Alistair Rogers, Dave Ellis and Stevie Jackson, were on the chopping block, Redman was quick to clarify his meaning.

"I'm simply pointing out that the head coach appointment is never made in isolation… all of our coaches are off contract this year and it provides an opportunity to review all of those roles."

Redman added that the Blues have struggled in the past to retain local talent and a programme installed four years ago at the club is the foundation for building a core unit that could see the Blues return to playoff rugby.

"It's 15 years since we last won a title but four years since we've been running this programme.

"All we can do is control the players we want to retain, we're doing that and I think you're seeing a crop of young players from this region who have achieved in this region, played well together and are becoming the nucleus of this team and soon to become the nucleus of the leadership group."

Redman pointed out the Ioane brothers as prime examples of talent the Blues were hoping to work around.

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