Former All Blacks winger Sir John Kirwan will take over the coaching reins at slumping New Zealand Super Rugby franchise the Blues.

After four years at the helm, incumbent coach Pat Lam has been sacked after presiding over a horror season when the Auckland-based team managed just four wins from 16 games.

Kirwan, who has coached Italy and Japan in Rugby World Cup campaigns, signed a two-year contract with the Blues beginning next month.

The Blues’ best finish under Lam’s guidance was fourth place last year. They finished seventh in 2010, and ninth the previous year.