Former All Blacks scrum coach Greg Feek began his first day in his new position at the Blues with a breakfast with the wider franchise and predicted that by the end of it the recent World Cup disappointment would be a slightly more distant memory.
Feek, a former All Blacks prop, will assist Blues head coach Vern Cotter after leaving his position with the national team due to the Scott Robertson-led reshuffle.
Speaking to 1News during a breakfast attended by all the players and staff at the Blues’ Auckland headquarters, Feek said he was excited by his new opportunity after the recently World Cup blow – the All Blacks beaten 12-11 by South Africa in the final.
“There have been a lot of conversations with friends and family, mainly,” Feek said of the All Blacks’ disappointment which came after outstanding performances in the quarter-final and semifinal.
“There has been a lot of positive stuff from the World Cup and it’s been pretty cool to still feel that support in respect of what we achieved over there.
“It seems to me like we galvanised together, and it feels like a lot of others did too. I haven’t quite turned the page but by the end of today I feel like I would have.”
Feek said conversations with New Zealand Rugby’s manager of professional rugby Chris Lendrum and Blues chief executive Andrew Hore led to his appointment.
“They were looking for someone part time and it probably suited with where I’m at with the family situation. You never take opportunities for granted in rugby.
“Once you do it for a while you get it addicted to it. I saw it as an opportunity to help a club which is aspiring to win championships so I’m quite excited by that.”
Feek, a former Ireland assistant coach, will join Cotter, a former Scotland and Fiji head coach, plus Jason O’Halloran, Paul Tito and Craig McGrath at the Blues. O'Halloran is another newcomer.
Former Blues head coach Leon MacDonald and former Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland are assisting Robertson at the All Blacks.
“Obviously there’s been a bit of movement in Super Rugby coaching circles after the World Cup so when the opportunity at the Blues came up, I jumped at the chance,” Feek said.
“What really excites me is the chance to work with some of the younger Blues boys. The likes of Joshua Fusitu’a and PJ Sheck are at the start of the Super Rugby journeys and it’s my job to come in and help them improve.
“There’s also a couple of guys like Ofa [Tu’ungafasi] and Gus [Ta’avao] who I’ve worked with previously so it will be nice to go in with some established relationships,” he said.
The Blues will hold a fitness testing session tomorrow and continue pre-season training ahead of their first Super Rugby Pacific fixture against the Fijian Drua on February 24 in Whangārei.
In a new initiative, they will play several pre-season matches in Japan.
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