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Jamie Joseph has been appointed Otago Highlanders’ second coach, while Clarke Dermody has moved down to become head coach of the Dunedin-based Super Rugby side.
Former All Blacks and Japan flanker Joseph coached the Highlanders to their only Super Rugby title in 2015 before taking charge of Japan the following year. He guided Japan to the quarter-finals of the World Cup on home soil in 2019.
The 54-year-old returned to the Highlanders as head of rugby last year, overseeing recruitment and mentoring Dermodi, who takes over as head coach in 2023.
(Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images)
“I am excited to coach and lead the Highlanders again,” Joseph said in a statement released Tuesday.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Clark and the rest of the coaching staff next season.
“My goal is to lead this team as far as possible and create a record of success we can all be proud of.”
The Highlanders finished sixth in the Super Rugby Pacific table this season before losing to the ACT Brumbies in the quarter-finals.
“It’s a change Jamie has discussed with me and while I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved this season, I accept the view that it’s in the club’s best interest to have his coaching influence on the team next year,” Dermody said.
“From that perspective, I believe it is a positive step and I am pleased to support the move in the best interests of the club.”
Highlanders chairman Peter Keane said the change represented a step forward for the team.
“We believe these changes will leverage the unique skill sets that both Jamie and Clarke bring,” Kean said.
“Jamie has a proven track record as a coach at international level and his experience and knowledge will be of great benefit to the Highlanders.”
© AAP
