Mourie quits Hurricanes

Tana Umaga and Co made little impression this season

Graham Mourie has resigned as coach of the Wellington Hurricanes.

His departure follows another disappointing season for the team, who finished a lowly ninth in this year's Super 12 competition.

Mourie, the loose-forward captain of the All Blacks in the late 1970s and early 1980s, had a year remaining on his contract.

But it is understood that his position was made virtually untenable after the talent-ladened Hurricanes failed for the third time under his guidance.

The Hurricanes finished ninth in 2001 and eighth in 2000, Mourie's first year in charge.

A decision on his replacement for the 2003 season has yet to be made.