The Highlanders have announced that outgoing Japan head coach Jamie Joseph will be returning to the Super Rugby Pacific side in a newly-created role next season.
The New Zealander led the Brave Blossoms to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time on home soil four years ago and will coach the team again at this year’s tournament in France.
However, that will mark the end of his seven-and-a-half years in charge, as the Highlanders confirmed he will return to Dunedin to take on the head of rugby role.
Joseph will be responsible for the recruitment and retention of players, supporting the coaching group and mentoring head coach Clarke Dermody.
In his first stint with the Highlanders, Joseph built the team to the point they were Super Rugby champions in 2015.
“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.
“I studied at the University of Otago and 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 excited about returning to the south to offer my services in 2024.”
Joseph said he had spent nearly half his life in Dunedin and was looking forward to returning.
“I don’t see myself as being the coach. I see myself as supporting Clarke and the coaches to get the best out of the players and setting up structures within the working environment so they can do that and use my experience to support him in terms of leadership. It’s the perfect job.”
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