Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga is likely to be the new head coach of the Blues.
Tana Umaga is close to inking a three-year deal as head coach of the Blues from next season.
While nothing has been formally signed, those close to the former All Blacks captain believe he will put pen to paper within the next 48 hours.
It is believed Umaga has told Counties Manukau he will be joining the Blues next season with an out clause thought to be in place that allows him to progress to a Super Rugby post despite being contracted to the province until 2016.
Several sources confirmed Umaga had agreed in principal to a coaching structure that will see him have the final say around team selection and responsibility for on-field performance.
Sir John Kirwan, who presided over winning record of around 35 per cent over the past three seasons, is set to be retained in some capacity - possibly in a broader sense - however, high-powered discussions were on-going on Thursday as to what exactly his role and title would be.
To avoid any misunderstanding, it is understood Umaga made it clear he wanted control of the team and Kirwan also agreed to the new structure.
The messy Blues board room dispute between private investors and the Auckland Rugby Union is yet to be resolved but it is understood that stoush will not get in the way of Umaga's likely appointment being pushed through.
Highly respected All Blacks advisor Wayne Smith is also thought to remain part of the overall coaching picture in a mentoring capacity for Kirwan.
With assistants Grant Doorey and Isa Nacewa leaving the franchise, the Blues are expected to add one further coach to their ranks alongside forward advisor Glenn Moore, who was this week promoted to take over the Black Ferns.
Signing Umaga would represent a major coup for the Blues at a desperate time when their support base has never been more alienated. The Blues have just had their worst season in the franchise's 20-year history, winnning just three of 15 games.
Recruitment for 2016 has been almost non-existent but if Umaga commits they will finally be able to move forward and attempt to contract players outside their current squad.
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