Clark has also revealed the Highlanders could be looking for three hookers, another lock and another first five for the 2024 campaign.
It was not, as any observer noted, a wonderful season for the Highlanders.
They missed out on the playoffs — only on points difference, but never a great look when eight teams out of 12 get to carry on playing — and won just five games from 14.
But they also blooded plenty of new talent, learned a lot about what they need to find to be more competitive, and got plenty of valuable experience in the first season since sweeping changes at all levels of the club.
Results were "not what we wanted, obviously", Clark said.
"We head into reviewing our season knowing we need to get better in 2024.
"Identifying where and how we need to improve is part of the review process."
That process has been all-encompassing since the Highlanders walked off the field at Eden Park after their final game of the campaign.
Extensive one-on-one interviews and debriefs have been held, and while the club HQ is now emptied of giant young men, work continues to collate the review feedback and plot the next steps.
Clarke Dermody has the full backing of his boss as the burly Southlander looks back on his first year as head coach.
"I thought Clarke did an admirable job considering it was his first year as head coach and he had a new coaching team," Clark said.
"Again, he will be interested in where he can improve in 2024."
Dermody, incumbent assistants Dave Dillon and Tom Donnelly, and new assistant coach Kendrick Lynn are the only contracted coaches for 2024 at this stage.
English assistant coach Richard Whiffin has headed home, leaving skills coach Riki Flutey and mentor Chris Boyd as the only question marks.
The playing roster is set for something of a refresh with a combination of player departures and a wave of young talent coming through.
Aaron Smith, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u and Scott Gregory have all announced they are heading overseas in 2024.
Clark also confirmed yesterday that veteran lock Josh Dickson, who did not play much in his final season as he dealt with his late brother’s illness, was heading to Japan and had played his last game for the Highlanders.
Rising star Fabian Holland is one contracted lock, and it seems likely Will Tucker will return, but the future of Pari Pari Parkinson and Max Hicks is unclear, so another option or two in the second row may be needed.
All three hookers — Andrew Makalio, Rhys Marshall and Leni Apisai — are coming off contract.
It would be a shock if all three were let go, though it is presumed rising Southlander Jack Taylor will get a contract, and there will be interest in the form of Otago rake Henry Bell when he returns from the United States.
Speculation that former Highlanders favourite Liam Coltman might come back early from France appears to be off the mark.
First five could be another fascinating position.
Cameron Millar is on contract but Mitch Hunt is coming off contract and Marty Banks has likely finished his Super Rugby career.
Clark declined to reveal exactly how many players the Highlanders had on contract.
"We are still working in that space and like all Super clubs won’t finalise our complete squad until after the NPC."
It will be interesting to see what of mix the Highlanders come up with from local talent, other NPC options, and even internationally, following the appearance of English first five Freddie Burns.
"We will consider all options, both locally and internationally," Clark said.
"We have some great local talent that we will look to incorporate in the next few seasons but we have also enjoyed benefits from bringing in foreign talent like Freddie, Kazuki Himeno and Martin Bogado."
