Rugby: Joseph confirmed for Highlanders

Jamie Joseph. Photo / Hawkes Bay Today

New Zealand Maori and Wellington coach Jamie Joseph will take charge of the Highlanders Super rugby team, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Highlanders announced today.

The 40-year-old former All Black and Otago representative will remain with Wellington's provincial squad for the national championship until he takes up his new position.

Joseph was expected to take up his new role by the end of August, the statement said.

A new assistant coach for the Highlanders is expected to be announced in the next week.

Joseph said he was looking forward to the new challenge.

"The Highlanders are an exciting team with a great mix of experience and plenty of new potential. This is a great opportunity for me and one I am looking forward to," said Joseph who played 68 games for Otago as a lock and then a loose forward from 1989 to 1995.

NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen and Highlanders chairman Ross Laidlaw welcomed Joseph's appointment as a positive move for Joseph and for the Highlanders.

"Jamie had three fantastic wins with the New Zealand Maori this year and two positive seasons with Wellington.

"His own successful career as a player gives him an added layer as a coach and his teams benefit from that," Sorensen said.

"Stepping up to a Super rugby side is a natural progression for Jamie, and it's a move I am sure the Highlanders will capitalise on."

Laidlaw said Joseph had been impressive during the New Zealand Maori centenary series and during his provincial rugby coaching career.

"Jamie is one of those solid figures in rugby - he was an imposing player both for the All Blacks and for Otago.

"He has expressed his commitment as head coach not only to the Highlanders, but also to our three provincial unions."

Laidlaw paid tribute to outgoing Highlanders coach Glenn Moore.

"We are very thankful to Glenn for his loyalty and great work with the team and franchise. He has consistently put the interests of the team first and we thank him for his enormous contribution."

Joseph's All Blacks career spanned 30 matches including 20 tests from 1992 to 1995 including the 1995 World Cup.

He also played 10 matches for New Zealand Maori from 1991 to 1994 and later as assistant coach, helped the team to a Churchill Cup victory in 2006, with wins over New South Wales, the USA, Ireland A and Scotland A.

He also has the distinction of playing international rugby for Japan, appearing for the Cherry Blossoms in the 1999 World Cup.

As coach of the Wellington, Joseph took the side in the finals in 2008 and 2009 and also lifted the Ranfurly Shield from Auckland in 2008. Wellington held the shield for five defences.

This year, he led the Maori team to a clean sweep over the New Zealand Barbarians, Ireland and England.

- NZPA