Blues announce Crusaders legend as new coach

Cape Town - In a surprising move, ex-Crusaders fullback and current Tasman head coach Leon MacDonald has been signed as a Blues assistant coach for next season, with current head coach Tana Umaga receiving a 12-month contract extension.

“I’m extremely motivated to help with the Blues’ vision of being one of New Zealand’s most successful Super Rugby teams. I have coached with Tana with the New Zealand under-20 team and I have a great deal of respect for him as a head coach,” said MacDonald.

“From what I have seen there is a strong culture and the facilities for players and coaches at the Blues is outstanding.”

The Blues are currently bottom of the ultra-competitive New Zealand Super Rugby Conference and 13th in the Overall standings having won only 3 of their 11 matches thus far in 2018.

In their next match they host the Crusaders at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 09:35 SA time.