The Samoa Rugby Union has confirmed former Blues Assistant, Steve Jackson, as the new coach of the national team.
New Manu Samoa coach Steve Jackson Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Jackson is a former New Zealand Maori representative and played for Tasman, Auckland, North Harbour and Southland, where he was captain.
He was assistant coach at Tasman and Counties-Manukau before securing his first head coaching role at North Harbour, leading them to the Championship win which saw them promoted to the Premiership.
Jackson said he was honoured and privileged to be chosen as the successful candidate.
"I know full well it comes with great responsibility," he said.
"We will work hard and [are] determined to gain the respect of the rugby world...and confident we have the talent, skills and passion in the players to deliver for us at RWC19."
SRU Chief Executive Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea'i said more than 40 people applied for the position from all over the world including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
He said it was narrowed down to a shortlist of four which included, the now former coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua, who was the only local applicant.