No more Blues for Nucifora

Nucifora: Homeward bound

David Nucifora will step down as coach of the Blues at the end of the season, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said on Thursday.

The Australian, head coach of the Aucklanders for the three years, has been linked with the role of managing the Australian Rugby Union's (ARU) high performance unit.

"With children about to start high school, our decision had to come down to what is best for our family," Nucifora said in a statement.

"The timing of my contract meant I had to make a definite call now and it was a very tough call to make.

"While I have been in discussions with the Australian Rugby Union, I do not have a confirmed job to go to, nor do I intend to be coaching another Super 14 team."

The Blues are eighth in the Super 14 standings after ten matches and struggling to make the play-offs.

"These last three years have been the most enjoyable of my coaching career," Nucifora said.

"It has been an absolute privilege."

Nucifora joined the Blues as technical advisor in 2004 after being sacked as Brumbies coach during the season in which the Canberra-based side won the Super 12 tournament.