The Blues are looking for a new coach with David Nucifora confirming that he will stand down at the end of this year's Super 14 campaign.
Nucifora had an option to extend his Blues contract for another year if he and the franchise saw fit but he has decided it is time to return to his native Australia.
Nucifora, who has been head coach at the Blues for three years, had to inform his New Zealand Rugby Union bosses of his intentions by yesterday (the end of April) and confirmed what has been widely tipped for some time - that his time here is over.
Nucifora has been linked to the high performance manager's position at the Australian Rugby Union but said nothing has been confirmed there as yet.
But it would be a major surprise if that didn't eventuate given the strong interest in Nucifora by ARU boss John O'Neill. RugbyHeaven understands Nucifora spent time in Australia during the Blues' Super 14 bye two weeks ago.
Nucifora has ruled out applying for the vacant Waratahs position saying that if he was to continue coaching in the Super 14 he would have stuck with the Blues.
"With children about to start high school, our decision had to come down to what is best for our family. The timing of my contract meant I had to make a definite call now - and it was a very tough call to make," the amiable Nucifora said in a statement.
"While I have been in discussions with the Australian Rugby Union, I do not have a confirmed job to go to, nor do I intend to be coaching another Super 14 team.
"If I was to continue coaching at this level, I would have stayed with the Blues. These last three years have been the most enjoyable of my coaching career. It has been an absolute privilege."
Nucifora became the first foreign coach to be handed a New Zealand Super 14 franchise when he took over the Blues from Peter Sloane in 2006. He spent the previous year as the Blues' technical director. He had coached the Brumbies to the 2004 Super 12 title before being unceremoniously dumped by a players' revolt.
Under his guidance the Blues finished eighth in 2006 and made last year's semifinals. They are eighth on the current standings and face an almost impossible task to make this year's playoffs with three rounds remaining.
His win-loss ratio with the Blues stands at 20-17 right now and he still has the Reds, Highlanders and Hurricanes remaining in front of him.
This year's struggles have again intensified the focus on him and his decision to leave seemed inevitable. After starting strongly the Blues have lost five of their last seven matches to slide down the table.
There will now be pressure on the NZRU and the Blues board to appoint a coach with a more local flavour after having imports like Nucifora, Jed Rowlands and Frank Oliver involved during the franchise's chequered history. They won two Super 12 titles in the first two years under Graham Henry and another under Sloane in 2003 when Henry was the technical assistant.
Former Blues player and Highlanders coach Greg Cooper is the current assistant coach and will undoubtedly come into the frame as names are now thrown about.
Successful Auckland coach Pat Lam has made no secret of his desire to get involved in the Super 14 and this would appear to be a logical progression. His Auckland assistant Shane Howarth is also keen for Super 14 action.
Across the harbour bridge former Auckland NPC-winning coach Wayne Pivac is now in charge of North Harbour.
Blues chief executive Andy Dalton said while he was disappointed Nucifora was not continuing with the franchise he understood the reasons why.
"From the outset, David has informed me of family factors that would affect his decision to coach the Blues. I have huge respect for him and the significant results he has achieved within the franchise since he became head coach. We are sorry to see him go but will farewell him at the end of this competition with our best wishes," said Dalton.
Nucifora said he felt it was important to share his decision at the earliest opportunity with the team and Blues supporters in order for the Blues to focus solely on the next three matches.
NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said Nucifora went with the best wishes of the NZRU.
"We know the reasons for him wanting to go home and wish him and his family all the very best back in Australia. David has been an outstanding coach and we thank him for his contribution."
Sorensen said Nucifora's departure would now give other coaches the opportunity to take over one of New Zealand's leading rugby teams. He said the Blues franchise and the NZRU would start the recruitment process at the conclusion of the Super 14.
