Updated: May 4, 2008, 9:44 AM EST Comment

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Nucifora issued a statement Thursday saying he was returning to Australia for family reasons and had no plans to take up vacant coaching positions with the New South Wales Waratahs or ACT Brumbies.

"With (our) children about to start high school, our decision had to come down to what is best for our family," Nucifora said.

"The timing of my contract meant I had to make a definite call now, and it was a very tough call to make. While I have been in discussions with the Australian Rugby Union, I do not have a confirmed job to go to, nor do I intend to be coaching another Super 14 team.

"If I was to continue coaching at this level, I would have stayed with the Blues. These last three years have been the most enjoyable of my coaching career."

Nucifora joined the Blues as a technical adviser four years ago, after a player revolt led to his dismissal by the ACT Brumbies, who he coached to the Super 14 title. He became Blues head coach the following year, leading his team to the tournament semifinals in 2007.

The Blues are placed eighth with three rounds remaining in this season's Super 14.