Hurricanes Head Coach Jason Holland
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland will take charge of the Blues on a three-year Super Rugby Pacific deal starting next year, after finishing up as an assistant at the Hurricanes.
Holland has been appointed Blues head coach in place of Vern Cotter, who will leave at the end of this season to take up the equivalent role with Queensland’s Reds, replacing the Wallabies head coach-in-waiting, Les Kiss.
It is the latest move in an 18-year professional coaching career for 53-year-old Holland.
Jason Holland (R) with Canterbury head coach Scott Robertson
Photo: Photosport
He has held assistant posts with Munster in Ireland and the Crusaders and Hurricanes in Super Rugby, before four seasons as Hurricanes head coach.
A promotion followed in 2024, as an assistant to the newly appointed All Blacks coach Scott Robertston.
However, Holland announced late last year he wouldn’t renew his two-year contract with the national team, becoming the second assistant to leave the post after Leon MacDonald.
Robertson was subsequently sacked earlier this year by New Zealand Rugby following mixed results, and has been replaced by Dave Rennie.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, centre, with coaching staff Jason Ryan,left, Jason Holland, Scott Hansen and Leon MacDonald following the All Blacks Squad Announcement.
Photo: Joseph Johnson/ActionPress
Holland said his initial focus would be on his current role, having rejoined the competition-leading Hurricanes this year as an assistant.
“It’s meant a lot to me to return to the club this season after a few years away,” Holland said.
“While I’m excited about what lies ahead at the Blues, my focus remains solely on doing everything I can to bring the Super Rugby Pacific title to the Hurricanes.
“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.”
Blues chairman Don Mackinnon said the appointment represents a “significant step forward”.
“His experience at both Super Rugby and international level, including with the All Blacks, makes him an exceptional candidate to lead the Blues into our next chapter.
“Just as importantly, this appointment provides long-term certainty and stability for our club, our players, and our fans.”
Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu holds up the trophy as the Blues team celebrate winning the Super Rugby Pacific final.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Interim Hurricanes chief executive Tony Philp acknowledged Holland’s contributions this season and reinforced his commitment to the club throughout the remainder of the campaign.
“We are proud of Alfie and all he has done for our club, and we look forward to his efforts during the rest of the 2026 season,” Philp said.
“He has the utmost integrity and will do all he can for the Hurricanes in our pursuit of winning the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific title.
“He will always be a Hurricane, and we look forward to doing battle with him in the coming seasons.”