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Tana Umaga replaced by Leon MacDonald as head coach of the Blues

November 15, 2018
The Blues announced today that Umaga will stay on till the end of the 2019 Super Rugby season.

Tana Umaga has stepped down as Blues head coach in a sensational restructure that sees Leon Macdonald take the top job at the struggling team.

MacDonald has been appointed as the new head coach on a three-year term while Umaga will take up a two-year contract as an assistant coach responsible for defence.

After an end of year review by the Blues and the New Zealand Rugby Boards, all parties agreed to a re-alignment of roles.

"After the end of season review I signalled that my passion lies with my new responsibility as defence coach and I believe that is where I can make the greatest contribution and difference at the Blues," said Umaga in a statement.

"I support the decision to appoint Leon and I believe that the coaching team of Leon, Tom (Coventry - forwards coach) and myself is the best that we could have at the Blues for the 2019 season and beyond."

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MacDonald has a healthy coaching resume, having coached the Tasman Mako in 2017 and 2018. He was also an assistant coach at the Crusaders in 2017-2018.

MacDonald said that he is eager to get the Auckland Super Rugby franchise back to the top.

"I am highly motivated to help with the Blues' vision for success," said MacDonald.

"I decided to move to the Blues to work with Tana and with Tom Coventry, and nothing has changed in that respect.

"This opportunity has arisen and I am honoured to have been considered for the role. I will give it my heart and soul.

"I've also talked to Tana and Tom and both of them are both hugely supportive and also very committed to our combined desire to continue to move this club forward."

MacDonald and Umaga coached the New Zealand Under-20s team together in 2015.

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