Mauger quits as coach of Moana Pasifika

MELBOURNE : Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger will quit his role at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season to spend more time with his family, the team said on Monday.

The former All Blacks flyhalf has coached the Auckland-based side since their entry into the competition in 2022 as one of two Pasifika expansion sides.

Moana Pasifika have struggled against the established teams from Australia and New Zealand, failing to win a game in the current campaign with two regular season matches remaining.

"I love this team immensely and it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of this special journey for Moana Pasifika and broader movement for the Pasifika community," Mauger said in a statement.

"I have given everything for the cause in testing conditions but it’s now time for me to return home to my family and give my best back to Amy and my four beautiful children."

Moana Pasifika are one of a number of Super Rugby teams looking for a new coach for 2024.

Canterbury Crusaders' Scott Robertson will replace Ian Foster as All Blacks head coach after the World Cup in France in September and October.

The Wellington Hurricanes and Auckland Blues are also in the market, with Jason Holland and Leon MacDonald respectively finishing up at the end of the season to join Robertson's All Blacks staff.

Mauger will return to Christchurch, the Crusaders' home base, but said he was not contemplating the soon-to-be-vacant head coach role.

"I'm going home to be with my family first and foremost," he told New Zealand media. "We'll have a bit of a breather and then we’ll assess things later on down the track."