Rugby: Brown and Deans reject top job at Highlanders

The Highlanders have started the process to find a new head coach for the champion Super Rugby team but the leading candidate has ruled himself out of the job. Photo / Getty Images

The Highlanders have started the process to find a new head coach for the champion Super Rugby team but the leading candidate has ruled himself out of the job.

The franchise announced yesterday they were keen to get the process of finding a new coach under way and were actively seeking expressions of interest over the next month with an eye to appointing someone in June.

Head coach Jamie Joseph is off to coach Japan at the end of this season after six years in the job. The man seen by many as the favourite to step into Joseph's shoes, current assistant coach Tony Brown, said yesterday he will not seek the position.

Brown, who has signed an extension for next year as a Highlanders assistant coach, said he felt he could have more influence on the team in that role.

Fellow assistant Scott McLeod said yesterday he was in negotiations to extend his stay but declined to say whether he would be interested in the top job.

Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark confirmed Brown was not applying for the job.

"We would like to make a shortlist of candidates by the end of May and then by June hope to make an appointment."

Clark said former Australian and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans had also ruled himself out of the job.

Whoever is appointed will have to work with the other assistant coaches and will not be able to bring in his own staff.

"We have worked really, really hard to build a really high performing coaching and management team at the Highlanders and we are there now," Clark said. "It is important that the coach that we get is excited to be working with that high performing team and has that ability to take it to the next level."

Candidates

Scott McLeod

Experience: Chiefs, Waikato and Highlanders assistant

Chances: Seen somewhat as a backroom boy but a wise head.

Robbie Deans

Experience: Crusaders, Australia, Panasonic

Chances: Impressive resume and has done the job at this level with success. Is said to not want the job but don't count him out.

Rob Penney

Experience: Canterbury and Munster, coached in Japan.

Chances: Has the runs on the board but been overlooked before and is unlikely to get a chance again.

Tony Brown

Experience: Otago, coached in Japan, Highlanders assistant.

Chances: Would be favourite if he said he was keen but has ruled himself out and it will take a lot to change his mind.

Mark Anscombe

Experience: Auckland, Ulster coach.

Chances: Been in and around the scene for a good few years. Burned his bridges in Ireland.

Craig Philpott

Experience: Hawke's Bay, NZ under-20 assistant.

Chances: Well-regarded in higher circles and has done some good work with Hawke's Bay but has yet to taste coaching at a higher level.

Scott Robertson

Experience: Canterbury, NZ under-20.

Chances: Successful with Canterbury and NZ Colts but bound to be with the Crusaders next year.

Ewen McKenzie

Experience: Waratahs, Stade Francais, Wallabies.

Chances: Faded from the limelight but can coach.