Jamie Joseph has been appointed head coach of the Highlanders, with Clarke Dermody moving into an assistant coaching role.
Dermody had been head coach for the past two campaigns, while Joseph was head of rugby, a position he took up after returning from Japan at the start of 2024.
"It’s a change that Jamie discussed with me and while I am very proud of what we achieved this season, I accept the view that it will be of benefit to the club to have his coaching influence on the team next year," Dermody said.
"From that perspective, I believe it’s a positive step and I’m happy to support the move in the best interests of the club."
It is highly likely that the new combination was confirmed after the team's season review.
The Highlanders finished sixth of 12 teams in Super Rugby this year, making the playoffs but falling at the first hurdle when losing 32-16 to the Brumbies in Canberra in their quarter-final. They trailed only 17-16 at halftime.
Joseph coached the Highlanders to their only Super Rugby title in 2015.
"I’m delighted to be back coaching and leading the Highlanders again," he said.
"I am keen to get stuck in with Clarke and the rest of my coaching team next season. My goal is to take this team as far as it can go and to build a record of success that we can all be proud of."
SHARE ME