No more 'Blues' for Cooper
Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:22
Greg Cooper has quit the Blues, a move which should make the path clear for Pat Lam to become the franchise's head coach.
The former All Black fullback has tendered his resignation as Blues assistant coach, citing family reasons.
Cooper was one of the leading contenders likely to challenge Lam in the race to replace David Nucifora as head coach for 2009.
Cooper said an illness to his young daughter, as well as Nucifora's return to Australia, are behind his decision.
He is also set for a short-term coaching role in Japan.
"A lot has happened since I first signed up with the Blues," Cooper said.
"Now I need to put my daughter and family first and I feel for the next year at least, the right decision is to step back from the full-time demands of coaching a Super 14 side.
"Instead, I've chosen to do short-term consultancy coaching for NEC in Japan.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Blues' environment this year. Working with the players, coaching staff and management was a real privilege. I have gained a great deal from the experience and am sad to be leaving the team.
"One of the key attractions to joining the Blues was the opportunity to work with David Nucifora who I hugely respected as a coach. My family remained in Dunedin this year with the intention of relocating to Auckland for 2009".
Blues chief executive Andy Dalton said: "Greg brought a lot to our team.
"He has not only a wealth of coaching experience but is a man of integrity who offered so much to the Blues on and off the field."
