Blues coaching exodus continues
June 06 2008
Blues' assistant coach Greg Cooper will not be coaching the Auckland based side in 2009.
Cooper joined the Blues for the 2008 season as assistant coach after four years as Head Coach of the Highlanders.
"One of the key attractions to joining the Blues was the opportunity to work with David Nucifora who I hugely respected as a coach," said Copper, one of the longest-serving coaches of Super Rugby in New Zealand.
"My family remained in Dunedin this year with the intention of relocating to Auckland for 2009."
However, unfortunately during the year, Cooper's youngest daughter became considerably ill and the family feels it would not be in her best interest to relocate. That coupled with Nucifora's decision to return to Australia saw Cooper reassess his plans.
"A lot has happened since I first signed up with the Blues. Now I need to put my daughter and family first and I feel for the next year at least, the right decision is to step back from the full-time demands of coaching a Super 14 side," Cooper explained.
"Instead, I've chosen to do short-term consultancy coaching for NEC in Japan."
"I've thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Blues' environment this year. Working with the players, coaching staff and management was a real privilege. I have gained a great deal from the experience and am sad to be leaving the team."
Blues CEO Andy Dalton says the franchise is disappointed to be losing Cooper but empathises with the reasons for his decision.
"Greg brought a lot to our team. He has not only a wealth of coaching experience but is a man of integrity who offered so much to the Blues on and off the field."
The news no doubt further opens the path for former Blues player Pat Lam to return to the franchise as Head Coach.