By WYNNE GRAY
Gordon Hunter is undergoing renewed cancer treatment in a move which could curtail his Super 12 coaching duties next season with the Blues.
Concern about Hunter's health has increased lately and extensive discussions about his future this week have involved the coach, his management team and the New Zealand Rugby Union.
When he arrived in Auckland on Monday to announce his Blues side for the 2001 campaign, Hunter looked more fragile than he had at any other stage this season.
His team announcement done, Hunter had lengthy conferences with rugby officials before flying home to Dunedin.
It is understood he has resumed chemotherapy there to deal with his lung cancer, a scenario which has raised concern about his work during a second season with the Blues.
The squad is set to assemble on Monday.
With that schedule and Hunter's recurring health problems, discussions this week with the former All Black selector became more complicated.
The NZRFU was reluctant to order a halt to his work with the Blues, but felt Hunter would benefit with time out from the stressful job.
Since his illness was diagnosed Hunter has seen coaching as a rehabilitative measure.
The NZRFU accepted that scheme, but feel that with Hunter's renewed treatment, it would be better for himself and the franchise if he stepped aside.
Working towards that resolution has involved a great deal of delicate discussion this week.
Hunter's focus has stayed on the Blues. He has worried about letting the franchise down, while many senior rugby people in New Zealand have been urging the former detective, in his 50s, to think more about himself.
Compensation is not an issue. It is understood the NZRFU has accepted there could be a redundancy payment, though it is a little concerned about any employment law issues.
A newspaper advertisement yesterday citing unforseen changes and asking for applications to coach the Blues Colts, suggested coach Wayne Shelford was moving into a standby category for the Blues.
That suspicion evaporated when it was discovered Shelford was stepping down to deal with his hotel business.
However, the Blues have had to think about coaching contingency plans if Hunter decides to take some leave.
An arrangement of Frank Oliver as coach with backline assistance from John Kirwan, and former All Black skipper Sean Fitzpatrick as manager, is understood to have been mooted.
Both Hunter and Oliver came under strong scrutiny after the Blues finished this year in sixth place.
Franchise reviews were completed in June, but in a curious development, Hunter had a second interview with the NZRFU three months later. It seemed Hunter's health, as much as the Blues' disappointing return, was a central part of the delay.
When Hunter had his initial Blues review discussion he had just undergone some medical treatment and was unhappy he had been given little warning about the NZRFU interview.
He asked for another interview, and a delay of several months before the NZRFU granted that request indicated some rugby union disquiet.
Rugby: Cloud descending over Hunter
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