Rugby: Devine back with Auckland

Former All Black, Auckland and Blues halfback Steve Devine will be Auckland's team manager for this year's national rugby championship.

Devine played 10 tests for the All Blacks, has 70 Super Rugby caps and played 78 games for Auckland before being forced into retirement in 2007 after a series of concussions ruled him out of the game.

"I was disappointed to have to prematurely retire. Now, to be able to return to the game in the role of Auckland manager is an opportunity I am thrilled about and looking forward to tackling," Devine said in a statement today.

At the time of Devine's retirement, he was the most capped player in the 2007 Auckland team who won that year's national provincial title.

Devine will work alongside Auckland coaches Mark Anscombe and Andrew Strawbridge.

Auckland's national championship campaign kicks off against North Harbour on August 1.

- NZPA