RUGBY: Blues deny player dissatisfaction

Chief Executive Geoff Hipkins today responded to rumours currently circulating about disquiet among Blues players about the coaching team. He says no problems have been brought to him by players and that the squad's main focus is on performing well tonight against the Waratahs.

"The training has been very positive and the focus of the team is on winning the game tonight," said Hipkins. "The issues leading to the two losses against the Chiefs and the Crusaders have been discussed in detail between me and the three coaches and have been addressed. The team wants to redress the balance tonight."

In relation to the rumours, Hipkins said: "The current situation is that no-one has come to the management to discuss problems. If any players have approached the media about the dissatisfaction, we would be very disappointed, since the first step in this situation should be to come to management, not go to a journalist.

"We will be trying to find out whether this is the case over the next few days and if there is dissatisfaction, we will address it. However, our priority today has to be on the game tonight and that's where we're looking at the moment."

Hipkins also clarified the situation on Gordon Hunter's position, which has been questioned: "Gordon is contracted to the NZRFU to coach the Blues for two years."

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