Cory Brown — brother of former Highlanders coach Tony — has been announced as the club’s new attack coach, replacing Kenny Lynn, who left after a season to join the Pumas.
He will join Clarke Dermody — stepping down to forwards coach after two seasons as head coach — defence coach Dave Dillon and assistants Ben Smith and Riki Flutey under boss Jamie Joseph.
Brown has had a fascinating coaching career since his days as a nuggety halfback for Otago.
He coached Otago from 2015-2017, helped the New Zealand Colts win the world U20 title in 2017, spent a season as a Highlanders assistant in 2018, linked with his brother at the Sunwolves in Japan, worked for the Connacht club in Ireland, had three years with the Sanix Blues in Japan, was with the Black Lions club when they won the European Super Cup and helped guide the rising Georgian national team to shock wins over Italy and Wales.
Most recently, Brown has been coaching the New Orleans-based Nola Gold team in Major League Rugby.
He joins the Highlanders on a two-year deal.
"I’m thrilled to be coming home and rejoining the Highlanders," he said in a statement.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity to work alongside Jamie and bring his vision for the team to life.
"I can’t wait to get started and begin contributing to the Highlanders’ success."
Joseph said the Highlanders were "delighted" to get Brown back in the fold.
"He is now a very experienced coach at the professional level and of course he has a very close connection with the club and region," Joseph said.
"His prior knowledge of Otago and Highlanders rugby will mean he will fit seamlessly into our coaching group.
"It’s great to welcome him back to the club."
