KEY POINTS:
Blues assistant rugby coach Joe Schmidt has accepted a coaching role at French club Clermont-Auvergne.
He expects to leave in August to begin a two-year contract after resigning from the Blues following three seasons with the Super 14 franchise.
Blues head coach David Nucifora said the franchise would sorely miss Schmidt, but admits the reasons for his departure are understandable.
"This is a chance for Joe to work alongside his old mate Vern Cotter from Bay of Plenty again and his children are young and at a good age for the family to take up this overseas experience for a couple of years."
Schmidt has played a leading role developing many Blues backs -- among them Isaia Toeava, Luke McAlister, Rudi Wulf and Anthony Tuitavake -- some of whom Schmidt first coached at national secondary school level.
Blues chief executive Andy Dalton said Schmidt's contribution to the Blues had been significant.
"Joe is extremely popular and well respected among both players and the wider management team. His contribution on and off the field has been outstanding."
Meanwhile, Nucifora is still in discussions with the New Zealand Rugby Union about his future.
An Australian, Nucifora's three-year term with the Blues expires this year and he has been floated as a potential candidate to take on the Wallabies after the 2007 World Cup.
- NZPA
