 While the fortunes of the franchise had been declining for a few years , they would bottom out with a player exodus following the 2007 Rugby World Cup . The squad 's entire All Black front row of Carl Hayman , Anton Oliver , and Clarke Dermody left for lucrative contracts in Europe , while star first @-@ five Nick Evans moved north to Auckland to play for the Blues , and hugely talented young lock James Ryan was forced to retire at age 24 due to injury problems . Joining the exodus were several other veteran starters , along with coach Greg Cooper who left the franchise to take up an assistant coaching position with the Blues . The coach for the 2008 season , Glenn Moore , was appointed 28 August 2007 . 
