Exciting Coaching Shake-up for the Highlanders Ahead of 2025 Season
The Highlanders, a prominent Super Rugby Pacific team, have announced a significant change in their backroom staff for the upcoming 2025 season. In a move that is sure to captivate rugby union enthusiasts, the Dunedin-based outfit has appointed Jamie Joseph as their new head coach, replacing the outgoing Clarke Dermody.
Joseph, a seasoned 54-year-old rugby union tactician, is no stranger to the Highlanders’ setup. He previously held the head coaching role from 2011 to 2016, guiding the team to their first and only Super Rugby title in 2015. After a successful stint with the Japanese national team, the “Brave Blossoms,” Joseph is now set to return to the Highlanders, aiming to recapture the glory days.
Dermody, who led the Highlanders during the 2023 and 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaigns, will remain as part of Joseph’s backroom team, taking on the role of assistant coach. This strategic move is expected to leverage the unique skill sets of both coaches, with Joseph’s wealth of international experience complementing Dermody’s familiarity with the Highlanders’ squad.
“I’m delighted to be back coaching and leading the Highlanders again,” Joseph expressed, speaking to the club’s official website. “I am keen to get stuck in with Clarke and the rest of my coaching team next season. My goal is to take this team as far as it can go and to build a record of success that we can all be proud of.”
Dermody, while acknowledging his pride in the team’s achievements this year, has embraced the change, understanding the benefits of Joseph’s influence on the squad.
“Personally, I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with Jamie in unleashing the potential within the team next season,” he said.
Highlanders chairman Peter Kean believes these coaching changes will propel the team in the right direction, stating:
“We believe these changes will take advantage of the unique skill sets that both Jamie and Clarke possess. Jamie has a proven track record as a coach at international level, and that experience and knowledge will be hugely beneficial to the Highlanders.”
As the Highlanders gear up for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, rugby union enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting new era under the guidance of the experienced Jamie Joseph, supported by the familiar face of Clarke Dermody. This coaching shake-up is poised to reignite the team’s quest for success and captivate bbc rugby union fans across the region.
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