MacDonald appointed as new Blues head coach

Tana Umaga has stepped down as Blues head coach in a sensational restructure that sees Leon Macdonald take the top job at the struggling team.

MacDonald has been appointed as the new head coach on a three‑year term while Umaga will take up a two‑year contract as an assistant coach responsible for defence.

After an end of year review by the Blues and the New Zealand Rugby Boards, all parties agreed to a re‑alignment of roles.

MacDonald said that he is eager to get the Auckland Super Rugby franchise back to the top.

MacDonald and Umaga coached the New Zealand Under‑20s team together in 2015. MacDonald was also an assistant coach at the Crusaders in 2017‑2018.

Meanwhile Super rugby's organising body Sanzaar have confirmed the dates for the 2019 Super rugby season which will start on Friday 15 February.

[Source: TVNZ]

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