One of Auckland's favourite rugby sons is relishing the opportunity to work with a talented bunch of loose forwards as the province seeks its first championship since 2007.
Former All Black No 8 Xavier Rush, now 37, is the new assistant coach for the ITM Cup side, working alongside Paul Feeney and Nick White, and will be hoping for a bright start to Auckland's campaign today against old rivals and six-time defending champions Canterbury.
"I'm a very passionate Jafa, if I can say that, and very passionate about Auckland rugby.
"I'm happy to be involved with this team again," said Rush, a three-time NPC winner, who was defence coach for the Cardiff Blues until May 2013, since which he has been working on property projects before his return to New Zealand a few months ago.
"There's good experience there with Peter Saili and Sean Polwart. Joe Edwards has had a chance to put on some good weight during the season, and he's a bigger player than last year," said Rush, of the loose trio that will run out today.