Tony Brown has been named as the Highlanders new coach.
Tony Brown Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Brown replaces Aaron Mauger who left after Super Rugby Aotearoa last month following the completition of his three year contract.
The former Otago, Highlanders and All Black first five, who was an assistant under Mauger this year, has signed a two year contract.
Brown was the assistant coach with Jamie Joseph during 2014-2016 then took over the top job in 2017 and guided the team to the play-offs, this was followed by two years with the Japanese national side which historically made the quarter-finals at the 2019 World Cup.
He re-joined the Highlanders as attack coach this season.
Brown welcomed the opportunity to be involved as the head coach again "as a coach you are always learning and I would like to think I am a better coach now that I was in 2017, my motivations for taking the role are to do the best I can for a team and community that I love."
"As a team if we play our style of rugby, with the right attitude then we can certainly be successful. Naturally it will take a lot of hard work to achieve that but I'm sure the players, coaches and management will accept the challenge".
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark is excited by the appointment.
"We are extremely fortunate to have somebody of Tony's calibre amongst our coaching ranks and available for the head coach role.
"In making this decision we were mindful of Tony's previous experience as the Highlanders Head Coach and his tremendous success with the Brave Blossoms at last year's World Cup. We are confident he is the best man for the job and along with assistant coach Clarke Dermody will move the team forward over the next few seasons. Our job now will be to find a defence coach to complement Tony , Clarke and Riki Flutey."
Brown will assume the role immediately.
It is understood the two year contract would allow Brown to return to Japan to help the team for the 2023 World Cup.
