Former All Blacks scrum coach Greg Feek lands with the Blues

The Blues have landed recent All Blacks scrum guru Greg Feek ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Feek was the mind behind a New Zealand scrum that improved dramatically throughout the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having bested Ireland, Argentina and even outperforming the South African scrum on paper in the knockout stages.

He’ll oversee a Blues front-row unit that has lost one of the game’s best in Nepo Laulala but added the services of Angus Ta’avao to mitigate that loss.

“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 of his appointment.

“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 their Super Rugby journeys, and it’s my job to come in and help them improve.

“There’s also guys like Ofa [Tuungafasi] and Gus [Ta’avao] who I’ve worked with previously, so it will be nice to go in with some established relationships.”

Established relationships in the coaching box as well as on the field, as new Blues head coach Vern Cotter was forwards coach at the Crusaders while Feek was finishing his playing career there in 2005.

“I’ve played under Vern and coached against him in the Six Nations when I was with Ireland. I have a lot of respect for him and I’m looking forward to working with him as a coach.

“Similarly, I’ve played with and against (Blues assistant coaches) Jason O’Halloran, Paul Tito and Craig McGrath. It’s great to be able to reconnect and give back to the game we love.”

The former All Blacks prop was heavily endorsed by Blues GM of Rugby Josh Blackie, who said he’s the right man to come along at the right time.

“Greg’s a proven coach with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We want to develop our propping stocks here at the Blues and think he is the right man to take the scrum forward,” he said.

The Blues have clearly expressed a clear goal for the 2024 season, and Feek is familiar with the challenge of being within reach of silverware.

“From what I’ve seen and heard, this is a Blues side who want to win a championship. As a coach it’s great to have a hungry group of athletes who are willing to work towards that common goal.”