Rugby: Deafening silence at Blues

By CHRIS RATTUE

A cone of silence descended around rugby bosses yesterday as they sorted out the future of Blues coach Gordon Hunter - but it can be taken as read that the Auckland-based franchise will have a new coach by Monday.

The 51-year-old Hunter, who is fighting cancer, has battled to keep his job even though it is understood that rugby union officials believe he is not fit enough to continue.

Hunter has been on leave because of his illness, and was due to return to work on Thursday.

But rather than setting about planning for the new season, he and Blues chief executive David White are understood to have spent yesterday in meetings at the NZRFU in Wellington.

The Blues assemble on Monday and have their first training the next day, which is likely to be run by Hunter's assistant Frank Oliver, who seems set to take over the top job.

Hunter and Oliver, the former Hurricanes head coach, were thrown together at the Blues last season, after the departure of Jed Rowlands.

They had Auckland NPC assistant coach Grant Fox as technical adviser.

Auckland and NZRFU officials have been treading warily because of their desire to do the right thing by Hunter, but the final word on his coaching position is expected to be revealed this weekend.