The Highlanders have announced that they have secured the services of Japan head coach Jamie Jospeh, who will join the Dunedin-based outfit on a four-year contract.
In what is seen as a big coup Joseph, who previously coached the Highlanders from 2011 to 2016, will return to his former franchise to take up a newly created position as their head of rugby in the early part of 2024.
The position involves leading the Highlanders’ entire rugby programme, including recruitment and retention of players, supporting the coaching group and mentoring the head coach, Clarke Dermody.
Joseph originally joined the Highlanders as head coach from Wellington in where he guided that team their first Ranfurly Shield win in 26 years.
Super Rugby success in 2015
In 2015, he was in charge of the Highlanders when they won their one and only Super Rugby tittle, before moving to Japan to take over the coaching reins at the Brave Blossoms in 2017.
The 2019 World Cup in Japan was a phenomenal success under his guidance as the home side captured the imagination of rugby followers around the world and ignited the tournament for the hosts.
Japan played a fast-paced, high-skilled style of rugby that saw them reaching the quarter-finals spot for the first time in their history. They run to the last eight at the global showpiece included victories over Ireland and Scotland before they were knocked out by eventual World Cup champions, South Africa in the quarter-final.
Joseph’s appointment has been welcomed by the Highlanders chairman Peter Kean.
“I think we can count ourselves as very fortunate to have attracted a candidate of the calibre of Jamie to the role,” he told the Highlanders’ official website. “His accomplishments with the Highlanders and then in Japan have seen him become a sought-after coach in world rugby.
“His experience will no doubt be a significant boost to our rugby programme and young coaching team.”
Joseph is looking forward to his return to the Highlanders.
“I view the role as a great opportunity to give back to the club and the region that means so much to me,” he said. “I did my study at the University of Otago, played for Otago and my family have enjoyed being raised and schooled in Dunedin.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Head Coach of the Highlanders, so I am genuinely excited about returning to the South to offer my services to the club in 2024.”
The 53-year-old will be able to draw on his previous experiences of getting the best out of a playing group and coaching team.
“I guess there are some similarities between the Highlanders and Japan,” added Joseph. “When I first started with the Highlanders they were on a bit of a lean run but over time we were able to connect with the community and put together a successful team and coaching group.
“I can see no reason why that cannot be repeated. It was a bit the same when I first came to Japan, I knew we would have to galvanise the public behind the Brave Blossoms for the World Cup tournament to be a real success in Japan.
“The key to that was always going to be a lot of hard work and a team playing a brand of rugby that folks could be proud of and excited by.”
Highlanders head coach Clarke Dermody believes Joseph’s appointment is a step in the right direction.
“Whilst this a new position for the club it is common in other parts of the world,” he said. “I see enormous value in having a proven and experienced world class coach like Jamie leading the overall rugby programme.
‘Positive step for the Highlanders’
“The advice and direction he will bring is exciting from my perspective, I believe this is a positive step by the club and I am looking forward to working with him again.”
New Zealand Rugby manager of professional rugby Simon Simmers is excited by Joseph’s appointment.
“To have someone of Jamie’s vast experience not only return to New Zealand but commit long-term to the Highlanders and New Zealand Rugby is a real coup,” he said. “His extended commitment is indicative of the immense passion and care he has for the wider Highlanders’ region and his desire to see the club prosper.
“Jamie is widely recognised as one of the most astute coaching minds in the game and we have no doubt he will influence and enhance the strength of rugby down south and further connect the Highlanders to their passionate fan base.”
READ MORE: Quade Cooper: ‘There will be a statue of the phenomenal Aaron Smith’
The article ‘Real coup’ for Highlanders as Japan coach Jamie Joseph set to return after World Cup appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
Article courtesy of
Source link
