John Kirwan returns home to coach the Blues

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 17: John Kirwan, the new coach for the Auckland Blues speaks to media representatives at Eden Park on July 17, 2012 in Auckland, New Zealand. The Blues announced their new coach for the Super Rugby competition today. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images)

Is he right for the job?

Former All Black Sir John Kirwan has been appointed the new Head Coach of the Blues, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Blues Franchise announced today. The 47-year-old has signed a two-year contract for the 2013 and 2014 Super Rugby seasons. His contract is effective from 13 August 2012.

Kirwan played 142 games for Auckland, 96 for the All Blacks (63 Test caps) before embarking on an international coaching career in Italy and more recently, Japan. He also had a brief stint with the Blues franchise in 2001 as Assistant Coach.

“This is an exciting time. I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the Blues next season in what I hope will be a new era of success and innovation,” Kirwan said.

“I’m also thrilled about coming back to New Zealand and home to Auckland after several years overseas. I am a proud Blues man and I started my rugby career in the region so I am really excited about connecting with fans and working with the Blues community. There is certainly some hard work ahead and I am looking forward to the challenge,” Kirwan said.

Blues chairman Gary Whetton congratulated Kirwan on the new position, highlighting that the expectations in front of him were significant.

“It’s been a tough season for the Blues. Our supporters expect the team to play winning rugby, as we all do. The challenge is clearly laid down for John and we look forward to seeing positive results. While there’s no denying John has a stellar playing record in New Zealand, our interest was in finding the right coach for the Blues – someone who could coach this team to success and we’ve selected John to do that.”

Kirwan’s coaching resume includes Head Coach of the UK Barbarians (2012), Head Coach of Japan (2007-2011), and Head Coach of Italy (2002-2005).

As a player, he represented the All Blacks from 1984-1994 (named All Black of the Year following the Rugby World Cup win in 1987). Kirwan represented Auckland from 1983-1994.

Kirwan was appointed on the unanimous recommendation of a joint NZRU and Blues panel, which is the standard process for all Super Rugby Coach appointments.