Next Blues, Crusaders, Hurricanes coach discussion
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Revealed: The contenders to coach Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes in 2024
Inside the latest developments to the fast-moving Super Rugby coaching scenario.
In the latest developments to the fast-moving scenario, the Herald understands All Blacks defence coach Scott McLeod, former All Blacks attack coach Brad Mooar and long-serving New Zealand sevens coach Clark Laidlaw are the leading contenders to succeed Holland at the Hurricanes next year.
The Hurricanes are now on the hunt for two coaches following the surprise, internal news that respected forwards mentor Chris Gibbes, who was considered a strong option to replace Holland next year, will leave the franchise to take a break from the game.
The Blues are thought to be considering former New Zealand Māori captain Jono Gibbes after missing out on Dave Rennie and with their next target, All Blacks assistant Joe Schmidt, not interested in assuming another head coaching role after the World Cup.
Jono Gibbes has returned home after a six-year head coaching stint in the French Top 14 with La Rochelle and Clermont. He was abruptly sacked by Clermont in January as results deteriorated. Prior to that exit he led Irish club Ulster and Waikato but it’s his time as forwards coach with Leinster under Joe Schmidt that could prove enticing for the Blues.
While Schmidt has knocked back several head coaching inquiries due to his family commitments, and strained relationship with NZ Rugby, the vastly-experienced All Blacks assistant is believed to be open to a consultancy role next year. Attempting to revive Schmidt’s ties with Gibbes could, therefore, be the Blues’ next best option once MacDonald departs.
Vern Cotter also remains in the mix after stepping aside from leading Fiji earlier this year.
The final potentially complicating factor in the mix is the Reds targeting New Zealand coaches in their search to replace Brad Thorn for next season.
The Herald can reveal further, significant developments place the Crusaders in the throes of promoting former All Blacks openside Matt Todd to join their coaching team.
While Robertson’s replacement remains unresolved at this point, Todd’s return to the Crusaders, where he played 140 matches, is expected to complete the six-time defending champion’s assistants alongside Dan Perrin, Tamati Ellison and James Marshall for next year.
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@Tim Good new that Chris Gibbes isn't in the running for Hurricanes head coaching gig, but those three options don't give me confidence at all. Laidlaw seems the least bad option, as he has at least had success with the AB7s and knows how to develop new talent. Whether he's good as a XVs coach remains to be seen.
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Gibbes would be an ok coach. But never a SRP winning coach. A bit like Colin Cooper.
We went from useless to winners with Boyd. Get the right head coach and we can do the same with this team
Agree on Laidlaw
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Laidlaw was actually the no1 guy I wanted to succeed Holland at the Hurricanes but I never considered it a possibility as I was under the understanding that he's signed with NZ 7's until the end of 2025?
NZ men's sevens coach staying on board for Paris Olympics
Clark Laidlaw has locked in his future as coach of the New Zealand men's sevens team as the prepare to start the qualification process for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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I remember being disappointed when Laidlaw left the Canes after 2015. He was quite influential in that coaching group so I wouldn't be too miffed if he got the gig. McLeod and Mooar though... yuck.
Silver lining is that Gibbes won't be in charge so that's a relief.
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@Chris said in Next Blues, Crusaders, Hurricanes coach discussion:
@Tim A big yuck to those Hurricanes options all look like bad choices.
Laidlaw was pretty influential under Boyd and Plumtree. He'd be an upgrade from Holland IMO and he's had experience in other areas of the game i.e. Mens Sevens which can only be a good thing.
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Ok not that convinced on Laidlaw myself as yet,Hopefully he does well with the u/20s then.
The other 2 I hope you don't get stuck with one of those with the playing roster you have.
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I not sure about any of the coaches, don't really know or seen their work as head coach etc, though I think Gibbes seems to have the experience you would want. But I not adverse to any of them, and I quite comfortable that boards will look at who is available, and will pick best for job.
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@Canes4life said in Next Blues, Crusaders, Hurricanes coach discussion:
@Chris said in Next Blues, Crusaders, Hurricanes coach discussion:
@Tim A big yuck to those Hurricanes options all look like bad choices.
Laidlaw was pretty influential under Boyd and Plumtree. He'd be an upgrade from Holland IMO and he's had experience in other areas of the game i.e. Mens Sevens which can only be a good thing.
Laidlaw is very highly regarded & whenever he's gone he's had great success, Taranaki, Wellington 7's, Hurricanes, London Irish, NZ 7's, I'm not sure what the problem is, his CV is much stronger than Holland's.
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@Chris he’s probably the best suited out of the options available but definitely not someone I would have picked if other coaches were available. Not many options out there coaching wise to be fair but I hope he goes well if he gets the gig.
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I always thought that Holland was a step down from Laidlaw. Was disappointed when Laidlaw left. Doubt if the canes will get him but would be happy if they do
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