Barry Stevens is the new North Otago coach, returning to the province he once played for.
Stevens (49) replaces Mike Mullins, who after two years in charge, in his second stint in the job, decided to not seek the position next season.
Stevens has an extensive coaching background at club rugby in Dunedin and with Otago representative sides, but this is his first job at first-class level.
He will take over a North Otago team which has consistently been in the top reaches of the Heartland Championship although last season it dropped down to eventually finish sixth, after losing the Lochore Cup final.
Stevens said the chance to coach North Otago was a real attraction for him.
''I just wanted to test myself at the next level, to really get a team and run it. It was an opportunity that was too good to turn down,'' he said.
He would continue to be based in Dunedin, where he worked as an account manager for Asaleo Care, and said there would be plenty of travelling.
''I'm going to be on the road a fair bit, obviously, but that doesn't worry me. I'm looking forward to it and am excited to be involved in such a proud union.
''I am going up there with a fresh set of eyes but as a union they have a pretty proud record over the last 10 years or so.
''The talent in there, no doubt, and I will get up there and get among it.''
Stevens said he had to get out and talk to club coaches and have some eyes looking at all club games next season.
Stevens, who is married with two daughters, played halfback for North Otago in the early and mid 1990s, and played in the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Auckland, which North Otago lost 139-5.
He coached at the Southern club in Dunedin, starting with the women's team and worked through the ranks at the club, eventually coaching the premier side.
He has also coached Otago age-group and development sides, and the Otago under-19 side last year.
Stevens did not apply for the Otago coaching position.
