Rugby: Matson says no to Kirwan

Assistant backs coach Tabai Matson of the Crusaders looks on during the Super Rugby practice match between the Hurricanes and the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images.

Tabai Matson has re-committed to the Crusaders rather than taking up John Kirwan's offer of joining him at the Blues.

The Crusaders issued a press release this afternoon confirming Matson's contact with the franchise's rivals, as revealed in the Herald, saying he was sorry for the "unnecessary distraction" speculation about his future had caused.

"I love this team and I certainly was not out looking for a new coaching role because I am very happy here. It is true that I was approached by the Blues about whether I would consider a move to their coaching team in the future should the opportunity arise. Aside from those initial discussions, nothing further in the way of any formal offer was considered. I made the decision not to take those discussions any further because I am committed to the Crusaders," Matson said.

"I want to unequivocally assure my Crusaders colleagues, the players and our supporters that I am still as committed to this team as I was at the start of the season, that my heart is still fully in this and that I am looking forward to helping this team go as far as it can go over the remaining weeks of this exciting and close competition."

Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said: "We are confident from the conversations that we have had with Tabai that he is as committed to this team as ever. He is an excellent coach and it would be no wonder if his skills were sought after elsewhere, however Tabai has assured us that he is not considering any move to the Blues or any other team at this point in his career."

Matson was part of Kirwan's plan for next year and beyond, so his commitment to the Crusaders will be a blow to the under-pressure Blues head coach.

It is understood that Matson was in Auckland this week sounding out players and board members about a possible move. If he had indicated that he was willing to move following those discussions he would have been asked to resign immediately from the Crusaders, who remain in the playoff hunt and have yet to play the Blues at Eden Park.