The Blues Super Rugby chairman is to stand down as he feels the board needs more rugby expertise on it.
Blues Chairman Tony Carter and coach Tana Umaga. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
After five years in the role, Tony Carter will stand down at the end of the season.
Carter took over as Chairman in 2013 when Blues Limited Partnership was formed as a joint venture between Auckland, Harbour, Northland unions and Bolton Equities and has overseen the transition to a new stand-alone organisation.
Carter says while the Blues business model is now on a strong footing, the on-field performances have not matched the effort and intensity that has been applied by the board and management.
"My personal view is the board needs more rugby expertise on it and for that reason I have told the board it is time for me to step aside and allow the shareholders to consider bringing in someone that can make a greater contribution to the rugby programme," he said.
"We all believe we are close to unlocking the playing potential of this club and have the right people in place to do so. I believe someone with different experiences as the new Chairman could help take our performance to the next level.
"It has been a privilege to Chair the Blues and I thank the shareholders, my fellow directors and NZ Rugby for their support during my tenure. I wish the Club every success in the future".
The Blues last made the Super Rugby play-offs in 2011.
They're currently bottom of the New Zealand Conference with three wins from their 13 games.
