Jamie Joseph returns to Highlanders as Head of Rugby

Highlanders have confirmed that Japan head coach Jamie Joseph will return to the club as the Head of Rugby following the upcoming Rugby World Cup campaign.

The newly created role involves leading the entire Highlanders rugby programme, including recruitment and retention of players, supporting the coaching group and mentoring the Head Coach.

The 53-year-old already coached Highlanders between 2010 and 2016 during which he guided them to their only Super Rugby title in 2015 before heading to Japan as head coach in 2017. During his time as head coach of Japan, Joseph guided them to the quarter-final for the first time in the 2019 home Rugby World Cup.

“I view the role as a great opportunity to give back to the club and the region that means so much to me," said Joseph, who has signed a four-year deal with the club.

"I did my study at the University of Otago, played for Otago and my family have enjoyed being raised and schooled in Dunedin.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Head Coach of the Highlanders, so I am genuinely excited about returning to the South to offer my services to the club in 2024”.

Highlanders Chairman Peter Kean welcomed the appointment of Joseph.

“I think we can count ourselves as very fortunate to have attracted a candidate of the calibre of Jamie to the role.

"His accomplishments with the Highlanders and then in Japan have seen him become a sought-after coach in world rugby. His experience will no doubt be a significant boost to our rugby programme and young coaching team”.