Kirwan guaranteed a job
The Blues and New Zealand Rugby Union have re-signed head coach John Kirwan and his assistant Grant Doorey for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Kirwan and Doorey, who were first appointed to the Blues last year, have both re-committed to lead the franchise in their 2015 campaign.
NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said Kirwan and Doorey had demonstrated a real passion for their work and the team.
"This is great news for the Blues and for New Zealand Rugby," Sorensen said.
"We are very fortunate to have legends like JK [Kirwan], who are still involved in the game and making massive contributions through coaching.
"It's a great mark of the game that we have these amazing former players still giving to the game through their coaching, administration and volunteering.
"JK is a straight shooter and a 'true Blues' man who does not leave anyone wondering what he's thinking.
"We're looking forward to seeing what he does with the Blues in 2014 and 2015."
Blues Chairman Tony Carter welcomed the re-signings as great news for the Blues team and their fans.
"The Blues board was unanimous in the view to offer contract extensions to both JK and Grant," Carter said.
"We have seen enough during their tenure so far to believe they are integral to turning the Blues into one of Super Rugby's powerhouses."
John Kirwan said: "We're trying to build something here and having the support of the board and CEO Michael Redman is fantastic.
"I've loved every day of this job – it's a team and region that I'm incredibly passionate about so I'm really happy to get another season to keep building on the work we've been doing."
Grant Doorey said: "It's nice to have the franchise think you're doing a good job in driving the team in the right direction to make a commitment to you.
"We're really motivated to make the Blues successful and the fact they've given us the time it may take is very important. We'd love success straight away but success is a process and it may take a little bit of time to achieve that."
Both men have been contracted to the end of the 2015 Super Rugby season.
With the lead coaching duo now confirmed, the Blues will look to firm up their technical roles in the coming months.
