Rugby: Joseph tipped to take Highlanders helm

The role of head coach has been advertised and it is expected Jamie Joseph will take up the position. Photo / Getty Images

Jamie Joseph is expected to be the Highlanders' new coach, according to strong noises coming out of Dunedin.

It is understood some key players have already been sounded out about Joseph's impending appointment. Tom Donnelly, Adam Thomson and Israel Dagg have been linked with moves - but now all have agreed to put on hold any decision until the coaching appointment is made.

Joseph, a former Otago player, is one of the rising coaching stars in New Zealand, having taken Wellington to successive provincial finals in 2008 and 2009 and steering the Maori unbeaten through their recent Centenary Series.

Despite his credentials and emotional knowledge of the region, speculation arose a few weeks back that All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen was a genuine possibility to operate as head coach next year.

The All Black panel have been in talks with the New Zealand Rugby Union for some time as to how they can stay involved in hands-on coaching roles throughout next year's Super 15. As the competition extends through to July next year and the All Blacks play only four tests before the World Cup, the panel were concerned about coaching rust and the lack of contact with the players before the tournament.

It would seem, although Graham Henry fuelled the issue by suggesting there was substance to the speculation linking Hansen to the Highlanders, that the All Black assistant coach will play only a peripheral role in the Deep South.

It is thought the preference among the NZRU is for the All Black coaches to be assigned regular contact with two teams each. That could see Hansen spend time at the Highlanders and Crusaders - offering some input on tactics, selection and technical skills. He would also really be retaining close contact with the players most likely to make the World Cup squad.

Highlanders chairman Ross Laidlaw said it was up to individuals to disclose if they had applied for the job or not.

"I'm expecting a recommendation to be made to the board this week," he said, "and usually confirmation doesn't take long after that."

If Joseph is confirmed, it is not known how much input he will have into the appointment of his assistants.

The roles of head coach and assistant have been advertised and the previous incumbent assistant coach, Peter Russell, has said he didn't apply.

The only man to say publicly he had applied was Northland's Bryce Woodward.

The appointment process was fast-tracked to give the Highlanders a fair chance at retaining and recruiting players. After several miserable years, morale has dropped.

Last year Jimmy Cowan and Jamie Mackintosh, the captain and vice-captain, nearly left.

As well, the Highlanders face a battle in persuading Dagg, Thomson and Donnelly to stay. They have to be convinced that remaining will not jeopardise their All Black chances.