John Kirwan has described Tana Umaga as a "fantastic" candidate for his former head coach's role at the Blues and has promised to help his transition into the job should he decide to take it.
Kirwan this morning announced he was stepping away from the role he has held for three years.
It follows a woeful period for the Blues in terms of results - this past season has been the worst in the franchise's history, with only three victories. Kirwan called the season a "perfect storm", adding he would take time out with his family before deciding his future. He hinted that that was unlikely to include coaching.
Counties coach Umaga is tipped to be Kirwan's successor, although Blues chief executive Michael Redman this morning declined to comment on that, saying it would be discussed at a Blues board meeting next week.
It is understood the franchise desperately want Umaga and approached him before he left to help coach the New Zealand Under-20s at the World Championship in Italy.
And should he accept the offer, he will find an ally in Kirwan.
