Nucifora to leave Blues for Aussie job

Blues coach David Nucifora is set to take up a post as Australian Rugby Union high performance director at the end of the 2008 Super 14 season replacing Pat Howard.

Radiosport in New Zealand reports that Nucifora has accepted the job as Australian Rugby Union high performance director.

The Australian had been been widely tipped to take over the role from Pat Howard for some time but he was also linked with the Waratahs coaching job after it was announced that Ewen McKenzie’s contract would be renewed..

Nucifora said last week however that he was in the running for the Waratahs job.

Nucifora who also coached the Brumbies is said to have discussed the job with Australian boss John O’Neill and comes off contract with the Blues at the end of the season.

The Blues and Auckland Rugby Union have denied the move but it is thought Nucifora has taken up the offer.