The Blues have appointed an All Blacks performance analyst to become one of Tana Umaga's assistant coaches for the next two years.
Alistair Rogers (L) views footage at All Blacks training with lock Sam Whitelock Photo: Photosport
Alistair Rogers has had stints in Ireland, as a defence coach in Japan, and a spell as an assistant defence coach for the Hurricanes last year.
Rogers' role for the national team involved analysing the opposition with a focus on defence, and he'll take responsibility for defence at the Blues.
Glenn Moore's already been appointed forwards coach, and the Blues are still looking for one more assistant coach, who'll take responsibility for backs and skills.
Blues coach Tana Umaga says being able to lure Rogers to Auckland is significant for the organisation's development.
"Alistair is at the forefront of development in a critically important part of the game at the highest level," he said.
"He is highly thought of by the All Blacks coaches and players alike and I'm absolutely thrilled he is coming to a full-time coaching position with us."
Rogers will take up his new position after the World Cup.