Sir John Kirwan named Blues head coach

The new Blues coach has been announced.

Former All Blacks wing Sir John Kirwan has been signed on as the Blues' head coach for two seasons.

Sir John played 63 tests for New Zealand, in which he scored 35 tries, and played 142 games for the great Auckland NPC side of the '80s and '90s.

His coaching credentials include stints with Italy and Japan, along with a short go as Blues assistant coach in 2001.

The 47-year-old coach replaces Pat Lam, who took over the job in 2009 but has paid for a woeful 2012 season in charge.

Sir John says he'll be in charge of the attack and will appoint some assistants to specialise in other areas.

"Yeah, look, I think at this stage a forwards, skills, and probably a backs coach would be how I'm looking at it at this stage."

"I think the talent out there - there's some issues, there's some gaps that we need to think about, and then it's my job to take that talent and turn them into great professionals that can win at the highest level."

Pat Lam is pleading with the Blues administration to do more to do more to help Sir John in the position.

"Sometimes people have to take the hit for it, and I'll take it and I don't mind that as long as things are done to ensure that this franchise is all it should be."

Lam says it's imperative that the people at the top of franchise do more to help his successor.

"I want the board and Andy (Dalton) to give him everything that he needs because ultimately, like I've always said, this is my home town, this is my team and no matter where I go, this will always be my team, and I want this team to be successful and I just plea that JK gets everything he needs, he's a good man."

Auckland great Andy Hayden has gone one step further, he believes Blues CEO Andy Dalton must take more responsibility for their recent failings.

"Yes I think Andy (Dalton) might think it's time to move on himself, I don't think he'll wait to be pushed."

Blues chairman Garry Whetton says he has no problem with Andy Dalton's leadership as CEO.

Sir John coached Italy from 2002 to 2005, and Japan from 2007 through to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Photo: Getty Images