Colin Cooper has announced he's stepping down as head coach of the Chiefs Super Rugby team.
Cooper has been granted an early release from his contract and he hopes to spend more time with his family. He had one year remaining on his three-year term.
Chiefs chief executive Michael Collins said he'd been advised of Cooper's decision several weeks ago, which allowed the recruitment process for his replacement to get underway early.
"We are grateful to 'Coops' for his outstanding leadership and coaching at the Chiefs," stated Collins. "He is a proud man, who set an incredibly high bar in terms of personal standards and behaviour, both on and off the field.
"We are really proud of the culture he has fostered inside our club and team environment, and he can be proud of what he has achieved."
Cooper said he was proud to have been a part of leading a "great group of young men", but with a new World Cup cycle looming, the timing was right for him to move on.
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"Developing young players and coaches for the future of New Zealand rugby is something I'm very passionate about," said Cooper. "I'm proud and grateful to have been a part of that with the Chiefs.
"There is a good crew of players and staff here, who are committed to carrying the club forward.
"For now, my focus is to complete our season review, and then my priority is to spend time with my whanau and moko, who are continuing to grow."
Cooper took on the role after eight successful seasons leading the Taranaki Mitre 10 Cup team, while also coaching the Māori All Blacks for five years.
He led the Chiefs to Super Rugby quarter-finals appearances twice in his two-year tenure.
Previously, he was head coach of the Hurricanes for eight years.
Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane said Cooper had been a fantastic mentor and carried enormous respect within the squad.
"Coops has a huge amount of mana," said Cane. "His knowledge and experience has been hugely beneficial, and he's been instrumental in developing some of our talented younger guys."
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