Blues chief launches a defence of under-fire Umaga

Blues chief executive Michael Redman has given a strong indication that under-fire head coach Tana Umaga will be given a new deal with the struggling Super Rugby club.

Umaga is in the final year of his contract and the former New Zealand international's position has come under scrutiny following a poor start to the season.

The Blues have won only two of their opening eight Super Rugby matches and a 34-16 loss to the Highlanders on Friday left them without a victory in their last 15 New Zealand derbies.

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Yet Redman on Tuesday hinted that the club will keep faith with the 44-year-old, who was appointed three years ago.

"There's plenty of support for Tana within New Zealand rugby and the Blues," he told reporters. 

"We think he has a great rugby brain, he has the respect of the players, he has my support and the support of the board." 

Redman added: "In the end, we haven't been able to deliver and changing coaches every cycle hasn't worked for the Blues previously.

"I think our preferred option would be to try to work with the group we have."