BLUES SCRUM SET FOR THE FEEK TREATMENT

Former Blues prop, Greg Feek, is back in blue, taking up a part-time role as the team’s scrum coach.

 Feek, who most recently worked as the All Blacks scrum coach and has extensive experience both in New Zealand and overseas with Ireland said the opportunity to continue working in New Zealand was too good to miss.

 “Obviously there’s been a bit of movement in Super Rugby coaching circles after the World Cup so when the opportunity at the Blues came up, I jumped at the chance,” said Feek.

 “What really excites me is the chance to work with some of the younger Blues boys. The likes of Joshua Fusitu’a and PJ Sheck are at the start of the Super Rugby journeys and it’s my job to come in and help them improve.”

 “There’s also a couple of guys like Ofa and Gus who I’ve worked with previously so it will be nice to go in with some established relationships,” he said.

 Feek, who joins the team for their first day on Thursday, will link up with some familiar faces in the Blues coaching set-up.

 “I’ve played under Vern and coached against him in the Six Nations when I was with Ireland. I have a lot of respect for him as a person and I’m looking forward to working with him as a coach.”

 “Similarly, I’ve played with and against Boags (Jason O’Halloran), Fish (Paul Tito) and Ice (Craig McGrath) from the Blues coaching group – it’s great to be able to reconnect and give back to the game we love.”

 Blues GM of Rugby, Josh Blackie said having someone of Feek’s experience will be an asset to the club.

 “Greg’s a proven coach with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We want to develop our propping stocks here at the Blues and think he is the right man to take the scrum forward,” said Blackie.

 “We want a mix of personalities and opinions in our coaching group and adding Greg will help challenge and grow our players and coaches,” he said.

 The Blues assemble on Thursday for pre-season training ahead of their opening DHL Super Rugby Pacific fixture against the Fijian Drua on February 24 in Whangārei.

 “From what I’ve seen and heard, this is a Blues side who want to win a championship. As a coach it’s great to have a hungry group of athletes who are willing to work towards that common goal. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the team and feel grateful to be involved with the club.”