Matson snubs the Blues
The struggling Blues have failed in their bid to lure Crusaders assistant coach Tabai Matson north to Auckland.
Matson, who confirmed that he has had 'discussions' with the Blues, said he "remains committed to Crusaders".
The 42-year-old Matson, who played 10 games for the All Blacks but was never capped in a Test, said he wanted nothing more than to help the Crusaders towards the play-offs this season.
He added he was "sorry" about any unnecessary distraction that the speculation around his future has caused.
Media reports suggested Matson had visited Auckland on Tuesday this week, where he spoke to management and the players.
However, his reaction to the rumours seem to dismiss those reports.
"I love this [Crusaders] team and I certainly was not out looking for a new coaching role, because I am very happy here," Matson said.
"It is true that I was approached by the Blues about whether I would consider a move to their coaching team in the future, should the opportunity arise.
"Aside from those initial discussions, nothing further in the way of any formal offer was considered.
"I made the decision not to take those discussions any further because I am committed to the Crusaders," Matson said.
"I want to unequivocally assure my Crusaders colleagues, the players and our supporters that I am still as committed to this team as I was at the start of the season, that my heart is still fully in this and that I am looking forward to helping this team go as far as it can go over the remaining weeks of this exciting and close competition."
Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach welcomed Matson's re-commitment and said that it would continue to be business as usual for the team as they work hard to climb the ladder into play-off contention.
"We are confident from the conversations that we have had with Tabai that he is as committed to this team as ever," Riach said.
"He is an excellent coach and it would be no wonder if his skills were sought after elsewhere.
"However, Tabai has assured us that he is not considering any move to the Blues or any other team at this point in his career.
"We are very happy to have him remain a vital part of this Crusaders leadership team," Riach added.
