Jamie Joseph has spoken publicly for the first time since missing out on the All Blacks coaching job – praising Dave Rennie and the "really thorough” process which led to the appointment of his rival.
The Highlanders head coach, who is preparing his team for a game against the Force in Dunedin on Saturday, said he was disappointed at missing out in what was a two-horse race but he understood the reasons behind the decision – and was aware of what he had to do to improve his chances for next time.
Joseph, a former All Blacks loose forward, also missed out on becoming Ian Foster’s replacement; the job instead going to Scott Robertson, who was dismissed in January, halfway through his contract.
Rennie was yesterday announced as head coach on a two-year deal.
“Yeah, there was disappointment,” Joseph said. “I thought it was a tight race. It was a good process – really thorough. There were a number of things that me and Rens went through in terms of the process. It was very different to the last time, and you’ve got to commend New Zealand Rugby for providing that kind of process. It certainly was a first for me.
“Dave getting the job is a real credit to him. He’s a qualified and quality coach who has been to a lot of places, so I wish him well."
Asked whether there had feedback from the interview panel, Joseph said: “Yes, there has been feedback. It’s obviously private… but that is important for me, personally, because it gives me a direction about where to go next. Coaching is a learning job so you’re learning all the time.”
There is no doubt that Joseph, who coached the All Blacks XV last year and is highly thought of within NZ Rugby, remains in the frame for the top job but he will have to bide his time.
“You never know what’s around the corner,” Joseph said. “A month ago, I was getting ready for a campaign with the Highlanders for the year and then… it was quite surprising. This [at Highlanders] is a job I was committed to three years ago and it’s a great job coaching the Highlanders.”
However, asked whether he was contracted to the franchise next year, he said: “I’m not sure what that has to do with things.”
Asked about messages of support, Joseph said: “I’ve had so many messages and the first message was from Dave Rennie. That’s the kind of quality that the All Blacks have and I’ve got no doubt he will do well.
“I’m from a big whānau, a big family – there has been a lot of support for me and my family.”
Speculation in a news report this morning about Joseph's potential assistants at the All Blacks was off the mark, he added.
“No, not 100% correct. I think what is evident is there needed to be a high-quality attack coach for the All Blacks given the fact Leon [MacDonald] and Jason [Holland] had let go of the All Blacks. Mid-season, there’s not a lot of availability. Most coaches who are qualified to coach at that level are obviously committed to other contracts.
“I don’t feel like I let the team down but no doubt there was a distraction," he added of the Highlanders. "There was a lot of publicity in the last month. To be able to put it to bed and focus on the Highlanders is what I’m up for.”
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