Defence coach Tana Umaga is taking a break from professional rugby coaching to focus on his new family business.
The former All Blacks captain has been part of the Blues coaching staff since 2016, serving as head coach until the 2018 season when he stood down allowing Leon MacDonald to take over.
Umaga was an integral part of the Blues coaching setup this season that lifted the Super Rugby trans-Tasman crown - the franchises first XVs trophy in 18 years.
The 48-year-old signed a multi-year extension with New Zealand Rugby earlier this year but says it's the right time to step away and focus on his new supplement business.
"I've absolutely loved my time at the Blues, but ultimately my family comes first and, with that in mind, I have decided to put my time and energy into growing our business alongside my wife Rochelle," Umaga says.
"We are excited about what the future holds for our business, and although I'm stepping away from rugby, I know the door isn't closed and who knows what the future holds. I'm grateful to the Blues and NZR for their understanding and support as I embark on a new chapter."
The Blues recorded the highest tackle accuracy and conceded the least tries across both competitions in 2021, which helped lay the foundations for the club's trans-Tasman success.
Head coach MacDonald says while Umaga has been outstanding as a defensive coach, his influence within the overall team and the club has been pivotal.
"Tana has developed into a mentor for so many of our players and his leadership into the development of our identity and our culture has been inspirational," MacDonald says.
"His influence throughout our club, on and off the grass, has been crucial to where we are today and I am sure we would love to see him return in the future.
"No doubt we will be reminding our 2022 group of the high standards that Tana has set for them as players and as people."
