Nucifora to leave the Blues
May 1
Note to media: David Nucifora is in Brisbane with the Blues who are to play the Reds tomorrow night. He will be available to the media at midday today AEST time (2pm NZT) in the foyer of the Sofitel in Turbot St.
For further information contact:
Jo Coleman
Head of Communications
Auckland Rugby Union
P: 09 815 4812
M: 0274 297 309
E: jo.coleman@aucklandrugby.co.nz
Joe Locke
NZRU Media Manager
P: 04 494 0778
M: 027 441 8461
E: joe.locke@nzrugby.co.nz
MEDIA RELEASE
1 May 2008
Nucifora to leave the Blues
Blues Coach David Nucifora has decided he will not coach the Blues in 2009. Nucifora, who has been Head Coach of the Blues’ franchise for three years with a year as Technical Advisor before that, said it was time to return to Australia with his family and will do so at the end of this year’s Rebel Sport Super 14.
“With children about to start high school, our decision had to come down to what is best for our family. The timing of my contract meant I had to make a definite call now – and it was a very tough call to make. While I have been in discussions with the Australian Rugby Union, I do not have a confirmed job to go to, nor do I intend to be coaching another Super 14 team.
“If I was to continue coaching at this level, I would have stayed with the Blues. These last three years have been the most enjoyable of my coaching career. It has been an absolute privilege.”
Blues CEO Andy Dalton said while he was disappointed Nucifora was not continuing with the franchise he understood the reasons why.
“From the outset, David has informed me of family factors that would affect his decision to coach the Blues. I have huge respect for him and the significant results he has achieved within the franchise since he became Head Coach. We are sorry to see him go but will farewell him at the end of this competition with our best wishes.”
Although there are three more round-robin games in the Rebel Sport Super 14, Nucifora was obliged by the terms of his contract to advise the New Zealand Rugby Union of his intentions by the end of April.
He said he felt it was important to share his decision at the earliest opportunity with the team and Blues supporters in order for the Blues to focus solely on the next three matches.
1 May 2008
Nucifora to leave the Blues
Blues Coach David Nucifora has decided he will not coach the Blues in 2009. Nucifora, who has been Head Coach of the Blues’ franchise for three years with a year as Technical Advisor before that, said it was time to return to Australia with his family and will do so at the end of this year’s Rebel Sport Super 14.
“With children about to start high school, our decision had to come down to what is best for our family. The timing of my contract meant I had to make a definite call now – and it was a very tough call to make. While I have been in discussions with the Australian Rugby Union, I do not have a confirmed job to go to, nor do I intend to be coaching another Super 14 team.
“If I was to continue coaching at this level, I would have stayed with the Blues. These last three years have been the most enjoyable of my coaching career. It has been an absolute privilege.”
Blues CEO Andy Dalton said while he was disappointed Nucifora was not continuing with the franchise he understood the reasons why.
“From the outset, David has informed me of family factors that would affect his decision to coach the Blues. I have huge respect for him and the significant results he has achieved within the franchise since he became Head Coach. We are sorry to see him go but will farewell him at the end of this competition with our best wishes.”
Although there are three more round-robin games in the Rebel Sport Super 14, Nucifora was obliged by the terms of his contract to advise the New Zealand Rugby Union of his intentions by the end of April.
He said he felt it was important to share his decision at the earliest opportunity with the team and Blues supporters in order for the Blues to focus solely on the next three matches.
NZRU General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said Nucifora went with the best wishes of the NZRU.
“We know the reasons for him wanting to go home and wish him and his family all the very best back in Australia. David has been an outstanding coach and we thank him for his contribution.”
Sorensen said Nucifora’s departure would now give other coaches the opportunity to take over one of New Zealand’s leading rugby teams. He said the Blues franchise and the NZRU would start the recruitment process at the conclusion of the Rebel Sport Super 14.
“We know the reasons for him wanting to go home and wish him and his family all the very best back in Australia. David has been an outstanding coach and we thank him for his contribution.”
Sorensen said Nucifora’s departure would now give other coaches the opportunity to take over one of New Zealand’s leading rugby teams. He said the Blues franchise and the NZRU would start the recruitment process at the conclusion of the Rebel Sport Super 14.
Note to media: David Nucifora is in Brisbane with the Blues who are to play the Reds tomorrow night. He will be available to the media at midday today AEST time (2pm NZT) in the foyer of the Sofitel in Turbot St.
For further information contact:
Jo Coleman
Head of Communications
Auckland Rugby Union
P: 09 815 4812
M: 0274 297 309
E: jo.coleman@aucklandrugby.co.nz
Joe Locke
NZRU Media Manager
P: 04 494 0778
M: 027 441 8461
E: joe.locke@nzrugby.co.nz
