Rugby: Joseph confirmed as Highlanders coach

Jamie Joseph has been appointed Highlanders coach as one of rugby's worst-kept secrets finally leaked out today.

Joseph, the Wellington and New Zealand Maori coach, had been linked with the role since it was advertised a month ago.

The New Zealand Rugby Union finally confirmed the appointment today.

The 40-year-old former All Black and Otago representative will remain with Wellington until he takes up his new position. Joseph will start his new role by the end of August. A new assistant coach for the Highlanders is also expected to be announced in the next week.

NZRU professional rugby manager Neil Sorensen and Highlanders chairman Ross Laidlaw welcomed Joseph's appointment as a positive move for Joseph and for the Highlanders.

"Jamie had three fantastic wins with the New Zealand Maori this year and two positive seasons with Wellington," Sorenson said.

" His own successful career as a player gives him an added layer as a coach and his teams benefit from that.
"Stepping up to a Super Rugby side is a natural progression for Jamie, and it's a move I am sure the Highlanders will capitalise on."

Ross Laidlaw said Joseph had been impressive during the New Zealand Maori series and during his provincial rugby coaching career.

"Jamie is one of those solid figures in rugby - he was an imposing player both for the All Blacks and for Otago. He has expressed his commitment as head coach not only to the Highlanders, but also to our three provincial unions.

"We are extremely pleased - indeed, excited - that Jamie will lead the Highlanders during their last season at Carisbrook and thereafter at the new Forsyth Barr Stadium," Laidlaw said.

Laidlaw paid tribute to outgoing Highlanders coach Glenn Moore.

"We are very thankful to Glenn for his loyalty and great work with the team and franchise. He has consistently put the interests of the team first and we thank him for his enormous contribution," Laidlaw said.

Joseph is looking forward to the new challenge.

"The Highlanders are an exciting team with a great mix of experience and plenty of new potential. This is a great opportunity for me and one I am looking forward to," he said.

Joseph's strong affiliation with the south includes a provincial rugby career for Otago after heading to Otago University in 1989. He played 68 games for the province as a lock and then a loose forward until 1995.

His All Blacks career spanned 30 matches including 20 Tests from 1992 to 1995 including the 1995 Rugby World Cup. He also played 10 matches for New Zealand Maori from 1991 to 1994 and later as assistant coach, helped the team to a Churchill Cup victory in 2006, with wins over New South Wales, the USA, Ireland A and Scotland A.

He also has the distinction of playing international rugby for Japan, appearing for the Cherry Blossoms in the 1999 Rugby World Cup.