Shane Howarth has been appointed assistant coach of the Blues rugby side.
Howarth has been assistant coach with the Auckland NPC side since 2004, working alongside Pat Lam, who was recently named the new Blues head coach.
Their successful coaching partnership has led Auckland to two national championship titles, in 2005 and 2007.
Last year, an unbeaten Auckland side won the Air New Zealand Cup and secured the Ranfurly Shield.
Howarth's involvement with Auckland will be decided when a new head coach is appointed later this month.
Lam and Howarth will continue with Auckland in the interim.
