New Zealand rugby boss Steve Tew says under-pressure Blues coach Pat Lam won't be sacked despite his team's poor run of results this season.
Tew also fired a shot today at the racist remarks aimed at Lam which have begun appearing on websites and social media and which led to the Blues coach breaking down at a press conference yesterday, saying the abuse was taking its toll on his parents.
Lam has the option of another year on his contract but New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Tew said the coach wouldn't be sacked this year. Next year was another matter, however, and not something he could elaborate on.
"This is a private employment matter so I can't really say much more than that," he said. "I imagine Pat is only wanting to focus on what is ahead of him today and tomorrow and Saturday."
Tew said former Blues coach Sir Graham Henry was not an option as a replacement at this stage.