Jamie Joseph has been appointed head coach of the Otago Highlanders for a second spell, with Clarke Dermody dropping right down to an assistant teaching position for the Dunedin-based Tremendous Rugby staff.
Former All Blacks and Japan flanker Joseph coached the Highlanders to their solely Tremendous Rugby title in 2015, earlier than taking cost of Japan the next 12 months. He led Japan to the World Cup quarter-finals on house soil in 2019.
The 54-year-old returned to the Highlanders final 12 months as head of rugby, overseeing recruitment and mentoring Dermody, who took over as head coach in 2023.
(Picture by David Rogers/Getty Photos)
“I’m delighted to be again teaching and main the Highlanders once more,” Joseph stated in a press release on Tuesday.
“I’m eager to get caught in with Clarke and the remainder of my teaching staff subsequent season.
“My objective is to take this staff so far as it could possibly go and to construct a file of success that we will all be happy with.”
The Highlanders completed sixth on this season’s Tremendous Rugby Pacific desk, earlier than dropping to the ACT Brumbies within the quarter-finals.
“It’s a change that Jamie mentioned with me, and whereas I’m very happy with what we achieved this season, I settle for the view that it will likely be of profit to the membership to have his teaching affect on the staff subsequent 12 months,” Dermody stated.
“From that perspective I consider it’s a constructive step, and I’m completely satisfied to help the transfer in the perfect pursuits of the membership.”
Highlanders chairman Peter Kean stated the adjustments marked a step ahead for the staff.
“We consider these adjustments will make the most of the distinctive ability units that each Jamie and Clarke possess,” Kean stated.
“Jamie has a confirmed observe file as a coach at worldwide degree, and that have and information shall be vastly helpful to the Highlanders.”
© AAP
