Blues 2023

[Tim]

Apr 22, 2023  /  Sport

Super Rugby Pacific: Dave Rennie turns down Blues as side scrambles to replace Leon MacDonald | Newshub

The former Wallabies coach is understood to have rejected a lucrative offer.

The Blues have missed out on securing the services of former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie for next year's Super Rugby Pacific season.

With Leon MacDonald expected to join All Blacks coach Scott Robertson's backroom staff, Newshub understands the Blues made a play at Rennie.

But despite a lucrative offer, Rennie turned the role down with a life away from the New Zealand spotlight a bigger drawcard for the two-time Super Rugby winner.

The former Chiefs coach is being linked with a move to Japanese club Kobe, where former Black Ferns director of rugby Wayne Smith is a mentor.

More to come

[Tim]

Pivac to get a crack?

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae George needs a new one; this one doesn't work:

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer Alex Chapman said that the Blues came very close to getting this across the line, so probably a late change of heart from Rennie.

[Tim]

@Bovidae There were a lot of rumours too, not just from the Blues region.

[Tim]

James Lay might not be very good in the scrum at tighthead. Would Renata be a better bet? Will Ahio come into the squad as an injury replacement?

[African Monkey]

@Tim Ahio is a far better scrummager than those 2.

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300861096/blues-staying-tightlipped-on-coach-search-as-dave-rennie-reportedly-ruled-out

[Duluth]

@Tim

Strange that the article doesn't mention Coventry? It doesn't say that he's leaving and it doesn't mention him as a possible head coach. Maybe he's ready to retire from SR?

I'm sure others will disagree but I'd take Pivac. Getting chewed up and spat out by Wales doesn't mean anything.. it puts him at the same level as Hansen

A foundation Harbour player, coached Northland, Harbour & Auckland (twice). I doubt anyone knows the region better. He also should've gotten the Blues job about 4 or 5 times previously.. so I presume he has some enemies

He just turned down Newcastle and earlier this year made noises about returning to NZ

[KiwiMurph]

@Duluth I'd be happy with Pivac. A long time coming.

[Daffy Jaffy]

[Stargazer]

Blue playing in Wellington:
Taine Plumtree (5, OBU)

Blue playing in Taranaki:
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (22, Tukapa)

[Tim]

Anyone know if Suafoa is contracted for next year?

Also, any news on Laulala and Perofeta's injuries?

[Stargazer]

@Tim When Suafoa's signing was announced, they didn't include the duration of his contract. It just said he and other newbies signed for 2022 and then he appeared again in the squad for 2023.

[Tim]

@Stargazer I think two years might have been mentioned at the time, though am unsure. Didn't see anything last year though.

[Stargazer]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

@Stargazer I think two years might have been mentioned at the time, though am unsure. Didn't see anything last year though.

No, it didn't.

Young Guns Sign for 2022 — Blues Rugby

While the Blues boast a bevy of men in Black, they are investing significantly in developing tomorrow’s stars. Props aside, the Blues could muster an exciting team of players just 23 years and younger from their squad for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific competition.

[Tim]

@Stargazer I was thinking that someone like @Nogusta might have mentioned it.

[Tim]

This reminds me, who is leaving after this season?

Barrett (may return), RTS, and Robinson for sure. What about Hodgman, Laulala, Eklund, Plumtree, Tucker, Heem, and the Lay brothers? Kneepkens might need to show something extra.

[Nogusta]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

@Stargazer I was thinking that someone like @Nogusta might have mentioned it.

2022 was a draft contract I believe
Re-signed for 2023 just the 1 year.
Now weighing up offers but likely to stay in Auckland.
Wouldn't surprise though if he ended up at Chiefs.
Clayton McMillan loves him

[Tim]

@Nogusta As always, thanks for the info!