The Blues have appointed Tamati Ellison as an assistant coach ahead of the 2027 [1] DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
This appointment signals a strategic shift in leadership for the New Zealand franchise as it prepares for a new competitive cycle. By bringing in a coach with experience from both the All Blacks and the Crusaders, the team aims to strengthen its tactical approach and technical execution.
Ellison will serve as an assistant to the incoming head coach, Jason Holland [2]. The move reunites the two former All Blacks assistant coaches, who previously worked together within the national team structure [3]. The organization said it is excited to announce the appointment of Ellison to the coaching group [1].
Ellison brings a pedigree of success from his time with the Crusaders, one of the most successful franchises in Super Rugby history. His role will focus on supporting Holland in implementing a new vision for the squad as they transition into the 2027 [1] campaign.
Holland's arrival as head coach marks a new era for the Blues. The addition of Ellison is intended to provide a balanced coaching staff with a mix of leadership, and specialized technical knowledge to drive the team's performance on the field [2].
The team is currently finalizing its preparations for the upcoming season. The focus remains on integrating these new coaching philosophies before the official start of the 2027 [1] competition.
“Tamati Ellison will join incoming Blues head coach Jason Holland as his assistant”
The pairing of Jason Holland and Tamati Ellison suggests the Blues are prioritizing a high-performance culture rooted in the All Blacks' and Crusaders' systems. By reuniting two coaches with existing professional chemistry, the franchise is attempting to reduce the transition period typically associated with a new head coach, aiming for immediate stability and tactical cohesion for the 2027 season.
