Wanted. A head coach for the Super Rugby champions.
The Highlanders officially opened the door on Tuesday to one of the more beguiling coaching posts in the southern hemisphere, seeking a replacement for the departing Jamie Joseph.
Joseph’s six-year stint ends this year, before he leaves to become Japan’s national coach until 2019.
His assistant, Tony Brown, has signed to remain in that role next year, leaving a top-dog vacancy which chief executive Roger Clark hopes will prove attractive to quality candidates in New Zealand and overseas.
He wants to announce a replacement by the end of the current season, with expressions of interest sought over the next month.
“We want to cast the net far and wide and now is the ideal time to be in the market as the Japanese season has concluded and the northern hemisphere season is drawing to a close,” he said.
“We are looking for a quality field to choose from. We are very proud of what we have achieved here already, and we are proud of the environment we have.”
Former Crusaders, and Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans was recently linked to the role, prompting him to clarify he has no interest in returning to a Super Rugby post.
Former Canterbury coach Rob Penney has expressed a desire to coach in Super Rugby and could be a contender at both the Highlanders and the Crusaders, where Todd Blackadder is finishing this season.
Penney was a Crusaders assistant under Deans a decade ago and has coached leading clubs in Ireland and Japan.
Highlanders coaches
1996 – Gordon Hunter – 8th
1997 – Glen Ross – 12th
1998-99 – Tony Gilbert – 4th and 2nd
2000-01 – Peter Sloane – 3rd and 5th
2002-03 – Laurie Mains 4th and 7th
2004-07 – Greg Cooper – 9th, 8th, 6th and 9th
2008-10 – Glenn Moore – 9th, 11th and 12th
2011-16 – Jamie Joseph – 8th, 9th, 14th, 6th, 4th and 1st
Muzzo
Guest
Hi OB, yep I would like to see Brad Thorn, come back to the province of his birth in a coaching role, but that is highly unlikely, due to his commitments to the Reds.
Muzzo
Guest
In Truth it would be great to see a player from the franchise area take over. Could we possibly think of Richie, as he is an Otago born & bred player, but I do possibly, think if that was to happen, it would most probably be the Crusaders, that would get the nod. Another local lad Brad Thorn, is tied up with the Reds, so now it looks like the load will go on the shoulders of Tony Brown. Oh Geeeez, it's not for me to decide, but lets hope they get someone in the mould of Jamie.
pete and paul
Roar Rookie
yes there will be NO MORE Aussies coaching NZ teams....
Old Bugger
Guest
From my simplistic view, I suggest the Board also had a stake in that dismal performance.....maybe, 50/50 blame between the Board and JJ. Remember, this was the year that the Landers went out and purchased players from all over the place including, amongst others, Nonu, Woodcock and Thorn. My guess is that buying spree may have been concocted by JJ but it was blessed by the Board, at the end of the day. Of course, the results didn't match the expense and in the end but, at least all parties took ownership of that dismal performance and moved onwards and upwards to ensure that value for money, would be the outcome. And IMO, these past 3years have proven that case.
ClarkeG
Guest
And from a coaching point of view I hope it stays that way. McCaw should be used by NZR / WR in an ambassadorial / mentoring role.
ClarkeG
Guest
Agreed.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Post the Nucifora experience with the Blues I think that the NZ franchises will exhaust their options in NZ first. The NZRU is keen to promote from within to keep coaching talent here as well.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Has pretty much said he is not interested. Wants a total break from rugby for awhile.
Bakkies
Guest
That's Lancaster's strong point. Working with young players
Bakkies
Guest
Took Munster to two HEC semis and a Pro 12 semi while clearing out the squad
Bakkies
Guest
Possibly Munster as well.
DaniE
Roar Guru
"2011-16 – Jamie Joseph – 8th, 9th, 14th, 6th, 4th and 1st" Wow. That's an interesting run of years. When they Landers came 14th, what was it that maintained the faith in Jamie?
ClarkeG
Guest
Not sure but I do know he was quite successful at Canterbury. It appears that the new coach at the Highlanders will be an outsider as both Brown and McLeod have said they will not pursue the head coaching position.
Old Bugger
Guest
CG Was there some behind the scenes animosity between Canterbury and Penney (when he was the coach) why this story is getting some air-time??
ClarkeG
Guest
TV One News NZ has just run a story suggesting that the Highlanders already have their man - Rob Penney.
gbrizzy
Guest
R Mc Caw
ClarkeG
Guest
Some possibles. Tony Brown Paul Feeney Kieran Keane John Plumtree Tabai Matson Scott Robertson Milton Haig Rob Penney Matt Sexton Tom Coventry
Taylorman
Guest
Don't see why not. Other than that they could look at the various ITM coaches that are showing promise. Lancaster would be an interesting choice. Would like to see what he's capable of with relatively better players within the comp he's competing in.
Kiwi in us
Guest
Richie.
Paul
Guest
More thinking any NZ coaches who are looking to step up would be more likely to look at a gig at the Highlanders or Crusaders as far preferential. If a worldwide search last year came up with Graham as the best option, it doesn't bode well that this years worldwide search would do better from a potentially smaller pool of options