Internationally renowned coach Laurie Mains dropped a bombshell yesterday when he announced he would stand down from the Highlanders after the Super 12 competition.
It had been widely expected that Mains would be available for another term in charge of the Highlanders.
"I'm not seeking to renew my contract," Mains said. "I
was just here as a fill-in when they were left without a coach when Peter Sloane decided to go to the Blues. Now that two-year period is up."
Mains contacted Highlanders board members yesterday to inform them of his decision.
"I've enjoyed loyal support from the board and they have been very supportive during the past two years."
Mains declined to comment further or to discuss his plans, but said he would remain interested in rugby in the south.
"My passion is still with rugby in the south and I will complete my coaching responsibilities until the end of my contract in December by assisting coaches in the region."
Mains, a hard taskmaster, has not always had a harmonious relationship with rugby administrators, but he is regarded as being without peer as a technical coach, with the forwards his special area of expertise.
The Highlanders' board will now have to seek a new head coach. The present assistant coach is Greg Cooper, who will be head coach of Otago in the NPC this year.
Mains, a former All Black fullback, began his coaching career when he guided Southern to a hat-trick of Dunedin premier club titles between 1980 and 1982.
His first-class career has spanned 20 years, which makes him one of the most experienced coaches in world rugby.
He coached the All Blacks in 34 tests between 1992 and 1995, including the dramatic World Cup final at Ellis Park in 1995 when the All Blacks, ravaged by illness, were beaten 15-12 in extra time by a Joel Stransky drop-goal.
Mains returned to Dunedin in 2001 after successful stints in South Africa with the Johannesburg-based Golden Lions and Cats.
He lifted Otago from eighth to runners-up in the national championship in 2001 and took the Highlanders to the semifinals of the Super 12 last year.
- NZPA
Inside track
All Black fullback in 1971 and 1976.
Began coaching career at club level in 1980.
Coached All Blacks in 34 tests from 1992-95.
Coached Golden Lions, Cats and Highlanders in Super 12.
Super 12 schedule/scoreboard
