Rugby: New coaches at Blues next season

Blues coach Tana Umaga Picture / Anthony Au-Yeung, Photosport

Tana Umaga's assistants Paul Feeney and Glenn Moore are leaving the Blues.

Feeney, a backs coach, and Moore, in charge of the forwards, have decided not to seek re-appointment next season, according to a statement from the franchise.

Moore joined the Blues when former head coach Sir John Kirwan was at the helm, while Feeney joined for this season, Umaga's first at the franchise.

"I intend to seek a more hands-on coaching position," Feeney said. "And believe I now have the skills and ability to succeed in that sort of role."

He said he was looking at several coaching options.

Meanwhile Moore, the current Black Ferns coach, has completed his two-year term and will pursue other rugby and private business interests.

Umaga said he appreciated the hard work and coaching input from both Feeney and Moore into a new coaching group at the Blues.

"After a year in this position and in light of these changes, we are taking the opportunity to review our coaching structure for the future," Umaga said.

Assistant coach Alistair Rogers will remain under contract with the Blues for the 2017 season.

The new coaching structure will be announced by the end of October.