Tana Umaga has been appointed as head coach of the Blues on a three-year deal.

Umaga takes over from Sir John Kirwan, who stepped down from his role earlier this week following the Blues' Vodacom Super Rugby struggles in 2015 which yielded their worst season so date. 

'I'm excited at the opportunity and understand there's a big challenge ahead, but I know there are a lot of good players signed on and I look forward to working with them,' said Umaga.

'There's no quick fix to turn things around. It's going to take hard work which will be my focus. I want to let our performances on the field do the talking,' he added.

The former All Blacks captain was head coach of Toulon, Counties Manukau and most recently assistant coach of New Zealand at the World Rugby U20 Championship.

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