North Shore Times (New Zealand)

Jackson joins Blues coaching team

- LIAM NAPIER

Steve Jackson will rekindle his relationsh­ip with Tana Umaga after signing on as Blues forwards coach for the next two years.

Jackson will step down as North Harbour coach at the end of the provincial rugby season to replace Glenn Moore at the Blues.

Umaga and Jackson formed a successful partnershi­p at Counties Manukau and will now attempt to replicate that at the next level.

After a season where they won eight from 15 matches, and finished 11th overall, the Blues overhauled their coaching team by letting go Moore and mutually parting ways with Paul Feeney.

Jackson joins Alastair Rogers, mental skills advisor Kylie Wilson and a yet-to-be-appointed skills coach.

Jackson is unbeaten as coach of the Blues developmen­t since 2014 and led the Blues 10s team that won the inaugural World Club Tens in Singapore.

The former New Zealand schools and New Zealand Maori representa­tive, has also worked closely with many of the young players coming into the club.

North Harbour chief executive Brett Hollister said North Harbour will advertise for a replacemen­t coach immediatel­y.

 ?? PHOTO: CHRIS HYDE/ GETTY IMAGES ?? Akil Mitchell of the New Zealand Breakers dunks during the dunk contest during the Australian Basketball Challenge.
PHOTO: CHRIS HYDE/ GETTY IMAGES Akil Mitchell of the New Zealand Breakers dunks during the dunk contest during the Australian Basketball Challenge.
 ??  ?? Steve Jackson
Steve Jackson

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