Assistant coach Mark Hammett to leave Highlanders at end of Super Rugby Aotearoa

Highlanders assistant coach and former All Blacks Mark Hammett has confirmed that he will be leaving the Super Rugby club at the end of the ongoing Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.

Hammett joined Highlanders as an assistant coach in 2017 but had communicated his decision to Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark and head coach Aaron Mauger last year.

The 47-year-old played 29 Tests for New Zealand between 1999 and 2003 and had worked as assistant coach with Crusaders, Canterbury, Hurricanes, Tasman Makos, Japan and as director of rugby with Cardiff Blues.

"There have been no decisions on what I will do," said Hammett.

"I love coaching and mentoring and that side of it. I'll do something but the decision hasn't been made yet."

Highlanders are at third place in the Super Rugby Aotearoa table following their win over Chiefs in the opening round and will line-up against Auckland Blues at Eden Park next on 27th June.