Lam named as Blues coach

Thursday 03rd July 2008

The Blues have named Pat Lam as Head Coach of the Auckland-based Super 14 franchise for the next three years, taking over the reins after the departure of David Nucifora.

39-year-old Lam has coached the Auckland Air New Zealand Cup side since 2004 with his unbeaten side last year winning the Air New Zealand Cup and securing the Ranfurly Shield.

Lam said he felt it was time to put up his hand for the next challenge.

"I'm very proud of the achievements of the Auckland team and have relished my role as coach for the last four years. However, I have aspired to coach a team in the Super 14, ideally the Blues. That opportunity has arrived and I'm delighted," said Lam.

Lam's four-year tenure with Auckland has included two championship titles plus one play-off spot. Prior to that he was Assistant Coach of Scotland for the 2003 World Cup.

"Pat has represented Auckland, Manu Samoa and the All Blacks as a loose-forward and has coached both here and abroad, so brings a wide range of experience plus an affinity with his franchise area," said NZRU General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen.

Blues CEO Andy Dalton said Lam was always going to be a strong candidate and is confident he's the right man for the job.

"Pat is an excellent coach with a very good understanding of New Zealand rugby and the way the professional environment works. The board and I have no doubt he will embrace the challenge of stepping up to the Super 14 level."

The Blues Assistant Coach position, as well as the Air New Zealand Cup Head Coach role, will be advertised this week.

Given the timing of Lam's appointment so close to the start of the Air New Zealand Cup, it has been agreed that Lam will hand over the Auckland coaching duties by the end of August, before moving into his Blues role.