Canterbury coach McLean leaves for Wellington

Aussie McLean is to vacate his role as Canterbury rugby coach to be an assistant coach with the Hurricanes Super 14 franchise in Wellington.

The Canterbury Rugby Football Union (CRFU) announced yesterday McLean would sever his link with that province after this year's NPC.

McLean has coached Canterbury off and on since 1993 and had a year with the Crusaders in the Super 12 in 1996.

His two-year appointment with the Hurricanes is for 2006 and 2007 when he will work with coaches Colin Cooper and Murray Roulston.

"Roly (Roulston) are I will be heading into our fourth season with the Hurricanes and although we freshen up our approach each season, it will be good to have a different voice and way of thinking included in the coaching mix," Cooper said.

CRFU chief executive Hamish Riach expressed disappointment McLean was to leave Canterbury.

"Aussie has played a significant part in what has been a very successful period for Canterbury rugby, but we understand his desire to be involved at Super 14 level."

McLean, in partnership with Steve Hansen and then Rob Penney, coached Canterbury to two NPC titles and twice claimed the Ranfurly Shield.

McLean said it had been an extremely difficult decision for him to leave Canterbury.

"The teams I have coached have provided a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction, and I have been privileged to be involved with some fantastic players in this environment. It is the people that I will miss the most."

He said his move to the Hurricanes was about personal growth.

"I look forward to working with (coach) Colin Cooper who is a top coach.

"Obviously the Hurricanes backline is full of talented players and I am excited about the opportunity to work with these individuals."

Riach said the CRFU would announce a process for replacing McLean in the "near future".

- NZPA