Umaga at the helm for Counties

All Blacks great Tana Umaga has been confirmed as the new Counties Manukau head coach, replacing Milton Haig who has taken up a position with the Georgia Test side.

Umaga spent last season as a player/coach for Coutnries Manakau and turned out for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition before an ankle injury ended his season and this appointment represents his first full-time coaching job in New Zealand.

Counties Manukau CEO Andrew Maddock said: "We are delighted with the appointment of Tana. He will continue the good work that has already been done within the Union.

"His experience, wealth of knowledge and coaching skills are greatly valued and we are looking forward to our players continuing to benefit from him."

Umaga commented: "This is a region full of talent and I am looking forward to capturing that talent, enhancing and retaining it, while building on the good work with the players that we have already done.

"Counties Manukau’s riches are in its people, players, supporters, sponsors and fans.  It is great to be a member of a team of people who are focused on fielding a successful team.

"Our players enjoy the environment and this is one of the reasons we are also experiencing interest in players from other Unions which is a nice change.We are trying to concentrate on developing players as a whole, in addition to the rugby aspect which I think is vital for players in the modern game," he added.