News

ARU confirm Nucifora's appointment

May 28 2008

It has been confirmed that former Blues and Brumbies mentor David Nucifora has been appointed General Manager of the Australian Rugby Union's (ARU) High Performance Unit.

Nucifora replaces Pat Howard in the role and will take up the position next month.

The 46-year-old, who guided the Brumbies to the 2004 Super 12 crown before linking with the Blues for four years - three as Head Coach - welcomed the opportunity to work closely with incoming Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

"There is no doubt Robbie Deans and I will work together to develop the bigger picture for Australian Rugby," Nucifora said.

"I'm excited by this opportunity.

"I see this position as having a real performance focus.

"It's about making sure we use world best practices to develop our playing ranks.

"That includes talent identification and ensuring elite players have every opportunity to reach their full potential.

"The aim is to make sure we are the best in the world."

ARU Managing Director and CEO John O'Neill endorsed the former Test hooker as the right man for the job.

"We are delighted to have David on board," O'Neill said.

"He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and hard-earned credibility."

"David won a Super 12 title with the Brumbies and he was so well regarded by New Zealand rugby figures that he was later recruited to coach the Blues in Auckland.

"I have openly said in recent times that he was the man we were targeting for the High Performance role.

"His coaching experience on both sides of the Tasman has given him an insight into what we need to ensure our development systems produce elite players capable of taking us back to number one in the world."