Shane Howarth been appointed head coach of the Auckland rugby team through to the end of the current national provincial rugby competition.
Howarth is currently assistant coach with Auckland and was recently confirmed in the same role with the Blues in the Super 14.
He'll take over the Auckland role from Pat Lam, who's off to coach the Blues from the end of August.
Howarth says it's good to take over to minimise the disruption caused by Lam's mid-season departure.
The Auckland Rugby Union will later this year advertise the head and assistant coach roles for 2009.
