KEY POINTS:
Highlanders coach Greg Cooper has accepted a demotion to leave the Highlanders and join the Blues but denies he was forced out of the franchise.
Cooper's four-year reign with the Highlanders has not ended with his sacking but it seems he may have been advised to accept a role as Blues assistant coach or be out of a job.
That theory was rejected by Cooper and Highlanders chairman Stuart McLauchlan yesterday.
Cooper, who had a year to run on his Highlanders contract, will be backs and attack coach for David Nucifora at the Blues on a two-year contract.
The Highlanders will advertise for a new head coach next week, with Highlanders assistant Glenn Moore and Otago coach Steve Martin the likely front runners. An appointment should be made within a month.
"I've had six enjoyable years with the Highlanders but the time is right to move on," Cooper said.
"I've got an opportunity to join one of the most highly regarded and well organised franchises in world rugby.
"I've got no regrets at all. I have an opportunity just to absolutely focus as an assistant on the Blues attacking game and that's really exciting."
Cooper said a chat with friend and mentor All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith helped make up his mind.
"I think the opportunity was still available to stay with the Highlanders.
"But I didn't want to be here longer than I should be here. There are those who think it is my time.
"The last thing I want to do is outstay my welcome."
Under Cooper, the Highlanders never finished higher than eighth, but he maintained he had done the best job he could.
"There will be those who look at my record and say it was competitive at best.
"But in years to come, we might look at it as a reasonably good result. I've had many highlights."
McLauchlan denied Cooper had been told to accept the Blues' job or face the boot from the Highlanders, and said he had done a reasonable job despite not making the semifinals.
"From our perspective, a new coach now has a chance to come in. We've got three years left on our present contract and I see this as a positive move for someone to come in and make their mark."
- Otago Daily Times
