John Kirwan steps down as head coach of Super Rugby side Blues

John Kirwan has stepped down as head coach of Super Rugby side Blues.

Kirwan has been in the role for the past three years, but announced on Friday that he would not seek to extend his stay with the Auckland-based club.

The former Italy and Japan coach had submitted a proposal to the board aimed at continuing his involvement, however, he has since reconsidered.

Blues finished last in Super Rugby's New Zealand conference this season and second bottom overall with just three wins to their name.

"I had a chance to take a breath and reflect about the situation, my future and above all my love of this Blues club and the players," Kirwan said.

"People who know me well know that I do not walk away from a challenge and that was what was driving me because I know what has been set-up in terms of organisational structure in the last two years.

"However I always said that if I didn't bring about the results that the players, the club and the fans wanted, then I would step aside."

Former All-Blacks centre Tana Umaga is widely tipped as Kirwan's most likely successor.

"I think Tana is an outstanding young man," Kirwan said. "He is a guy who I think would be one of the candidates who would be fantastic for here.

"He is from the wider region, he is a good man, but...it is up to the board to make the right decision going forward.

"What I do know is that the person who comes on board will find a club in better shape than what I did and I think that's important."