The one-Test All Black Liam Barry's been named North Harbour head coach for the next three years, replacing former All Black Craig Dowd who was sacked after two disappointing seasons in the job.
The 39-year-old Barry has spent the last six years with the Blues coaching staff, the past two as assistant coach.
Barry made his debut for North Harbour in 1991 playing 83 games for the province.
He also had two spells in Japan playing for NEC from 1997-2001 and Kubota from 2002-2004.
In 1993 he was selected for the All Blacks and was part of the first family to provide three generations of All Blacks, following his father Kevin and grandfather Ned.
Jeff Wilson, the former co-coach who was also let go along with Dowd, has won his old job back.
