Blues Secure Top Coaching Talent for 2027 Super Rugby Season
The Auckland-based Blues rugby franchise has announced a significant coup, confirming the appointment of former All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland as their new head coach. Holland has inked a three-year deal, set to commence with the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. This strategic move will see him replace the incumbent Vern Cotter, who is departing the Blues to take up the head coaching reins at the Queensland Reds for their upcoming campaign.
Holland brings a formidable arsenal of experience, honed across both domestic New Zealand rugby and the international arena. His coaching journey includes a highly successful tenure as head coach of the Hurricanes, where he steered the Wellington-based club from 2020 to 2023. Following his time with the Hurricanes, Holland transitioned to the national setup, joining the All Blacks coaching staff in 2024 under the guidance of former head coach Scott Robertson. However, his commitment to the men in black concluded after the November internationals last year, as he opted not to extend his contract.
More recently, the 53-year-old returned to the Hurricanes in an assistant coaching capacity for the current Super Rugby Pacific campaign, contributing his expertise to the Wellington side.
Holland’s playing career was equally distinguished. He represented Manawatū and Taranaki at provincial level in New Zealand, showcasing his skills as a fly-half and centre. His talents then took him offshore, where he made an impressive 102 appearances for the renowned Irish outfit Munster between 1999 and 2008.
A New Era for the Blues
The Blues chairman, Don Mackinnon, expressed immense confidence in Holland’s appointment, viewing it as a pivotal step forward for the club. “We are thrilled to secure Jason as our head coach from 2027,” Mackinnon stated. “He is a quality person with outstanding rugby intellect and a proven track record of developing teams and players. His experience at both Super Rugby and international level, including with the All Blacks, makes him an exceptional candidate to lead the Blues into our next chapter.”
Mackinnon further emphasised the importance of this long-term commitment. “Just as importantly, this appointment provides long-term certainty and stability for our club, our players, and our fans,” he added.
The announcement arrives at a propitious moment for the Blues, who are currently demonstrating strong form and boast a roster brimming with talented players, alongside a cadre of promising young talent committed to the club’s future.
Welcoming a Proven Performer
Blues chief executive Karl Budge conveyed his delight at Holland’s impending arrival. “We are really looking forward to welcoming Jason to the club, but know he still has a job to do with the Hurricanes first, and we fully respect and support that,” Budge commented. “We expect him to continue giving everything to his current team, as we would expect of any professional of his calibre.”
Holland himself expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, while reaffirming his dedication to his current role with the Hurricanes for the remainder of the 2026 season. “The opportunity to join the Blues from 2027 is incredibly exciting,” Holland remarked. “It’s a club with a proud history and I see huge potential to add to that legacy. When the time comes, I’m really looking forward to connecting with everyone at the club, including players, staff, fans, and the wider community.”
This strategic appointment signals the Blues’ ambition to build a sustained period of success, leveraging Holland’s extensive experience and proven ability to nurture talent and develop winning teams. His deep understanding of the game, cultivated through diverse coaching environments, is expected to inject fresh impetus and strategic direction into the Auckland franchise as they prepare for the future of Super Rugby Pacific.
