Auckland Blues sign Ali Williams
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Ali Williams has returned to his former stomping ground of Auckland after playing 2008 for the Super 14 championshi winning Canterbury Crusaders.
Williams left Auckland after the 2007 Super 14 competition due to a major fallout with then Auckland coach David Nucifora, now the Australian High Performance coach. Williams had been with the Blues for six seasons at the time.
The departure of Robbie Deans and Dan Carter from the Crusaders may have played some part but as Williams regards Auckland as home he was always likely to return as some stage. Williams will link with new Auckland coach Pat Lam.
Pat Lam new Auckland Blues Coach
Pat Lam has been announced as the new Auckland Blues coach replacing Australian David Nucifora who is the new Australian high performance coach. Adrian Lam has been signed as coach on a three year contract where the Blues will be hoping he will be able to add to the trophy cabinet.
The Blues have had a start studded side since they began in the Super 12 in 1996 but in recent years they have underperformed at the final stages of the Super 14 despite going on to contribute a number of stars to the All Blacks team. Lam, 39, has had tremendous success at provincial level, winning the Air New Zealand Cup, Ranfurly Shield and going through the season undefeated.
The Blues who have won three previous Super championships in 1996, 1997 ans 2003 remain as one of only four teams to have won the Super Championship along with the Bulls, Brumbies and the highly successful Crusaders.