Blues select Bay of Plenty back coach

By WYNNE GRAY

The Blues have bypassed coaching resources inside their franchise and appointed Bay of Plenty assistant Joe Schmidt as back coach for next season's Super 12.

Schmidt, who has been assistant coach of the national secondary schools side, was selected from the final shortlist of Harbour's Allan Pollock and Canterbury's Aussie McLean.

The 38-year-old will link with head coach Peter Sloane and former Brumbies boss and technical adviser David Nucifora when the Blues start Super 12 preparation in November.

"It was felt that Schmidt's technical knowledge, along with the innovative approach he has clearly brought to the Bay of Plenty backline over the past two seasons, best complemented Sloane and Nucifora's coaching attributes," Blues chief executive David White said.

Schmidt said his appointment was a chance to contribute towards a rejuvenated Blues, while also adding to his own repertoire by working with two very experienced coaches.

In their title defence this season, the Blues were forced to work without the technical assistance of Graham Henry, who was elevated to coach the All Blacks.


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