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Blues chief launches a defence of under-fire Umaga

Blues coach Tana Umaga. Photo / Getty Images

Blues chief executive Michael Redman has given a strong indication that under-fire head coach Tana Umaga will be given a new deal with the struggling Super Rugby club.

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Umaga is in the final year of his contract and the former New Zealand international’s position has come under scrutiny following a poor start to the season.

The Blues have won only two of their opening eight Super Rugby matches and a 34-16 loss to the Highlanders on Friday left them without a victory in their last 15 New Zealand derbies.

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Yet Redman on Tuesday hinted that the club will keep faith with the 44-year-old, who was appointed three years ago.

“There’s plenty of support for Tana within New Zealand rugby and the Blues,” he told reporters. 

“We think he has a great rugby brain, he has the respect of the players, he has my support and the support of the board.” 

Redman added: “In the end, we haven’t been able to deliver and changing coaches every cycle hasn’t worked for the Blues previously.

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“I think our preferred option would be to try to work with the group we have.”

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