Super Rugby

Blues deny Kirwan coaching rumours

ESPN Staff

Sir John Kirwan is under pressure after a winless start to 2015 © Getty Images Enlarge

Struggling Super Rugby franchise the Blues have strenuously denied reports they are sounding out a prospective coach to replace Sir John Kirwan.

Reports said Kieran Keane, who led Tasman to last year's national provincial rugby championship final before they were beaten by Taranaki 36-32, had been approached.

But Blues chief executive Michael Redman says no one from the Blues has approached any other coach. Board and management were fully focused on their full support of Kirwan, the staff and team, he added.

"We are dismayed that a media organisation would run this sort of report without attempting to verify its authenticity," Redman said.

The Blues will carry out a review as planned on all aspects of its operation at a later date, he said.

The Blues have lost all three Super Rugby games this season, falling to the Chiefs, the Stormers and the Cheetahs. They play the winless Lions at North Harbour on Saturday.

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