In a strategic move poised to shake up the Super Rugby landscape, the Blues have snagged former All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland to helm the team starting in the 2027 season. The announcement ends speculation and sets the stage for a new era in Auckland rugby, with Holland signing on for a three-year stint.
Holland, who steps into the shoes left by Vern Cotter as he transitions to coach the Reds, brings a dense resume with notable international and domestic experience. His coaching pedigree includes a successful tenure as head coach at the Hurricanes from 2020 to 2023 and a pivotal role in the All Blacks coaching staff under Scott Robertson in 2024. Despite opting out of a contract extension with the All Blacks post-2024, Holland's brief return to the Hurricanes as an assistant for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign underscores his unwavering commitment to New Zealand rugby.
Before his coaching days, Holland carved out a respectable playing career as a fly-half and centre, representing Manawat? and Taranaki in New Zealand, and later making 102 appearances for Munster in Ireland.
Blues chairman Don Mackinnon expressed his enthusiasm about Holland’s appointment, stating,
"We are thrilled to secure Jason as our head coach from 2027. He is a quality person with outstanding rugby intellect and a proven track record of developing teams and players."
Mackinnon emphasized the dual benefits of Holland’s experience and the long-term stability his appointment brings to the club.Jason Holland himself is eager to take on this new challenge, affirming his current commitments yet looking ahead with anticipation.
"The opportunity to join the Blues from 2027 is incredibly exciting. It’s a club with a proud history and I see huge potential to add to that legacy,"
Holland remarked. He also noted his eagerness to engage with every facet of the club once he officially starts.Blues CEO Karl Budge also welcomed Holland, highlighting the importance of his ongoing role at the Hurricanes while acknowledging the future contributions he will make to the Blues. “We expect him to continue giving everything to his current team, as we would expect of any professional of his calibre,” Budge commented.
With Holland's appointment, the Blues are not just making a coaching change; they're setting the stage for a transformative era, aiming to build on their current momentum and foster the growth of emerging talent within their ranks.