Tuesday 1 August 2017 12:06, UK
The Highlanders have appointed former All Blacks centre Aaron Mauger as their head coach on a three-year contract.
Mauger will replace Tony Brown, who is heading to Japan, and will work with Mark Hammett, Clarke Dermody and Jon Preston on the coaching team at the Dunedin-based club.
The 36-year-old, who played 89 games for the Crusaders and 46 games for the All Blacks from 2001-2007, has had coaching experience at the Crusaders and at Leicester Tigers, who sacked him in March.
"Aaron has demonstrated to us the passion, commitment and dedication to coaching at the club that we believe are vital at this level and will lead an experienced coaching and management group," Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark said.
The Highlanders, who were Super Rugby winners in 2015, were beaten by the Crusaders in this season's quarter-finals.
"The Highlanders have a solid foundation of good core values and a tight-knit culture," said Mauger.
"It's a credit to all those who have worked hard to establish an environment that allows people to express themselves and thrive as individuals.
"I am excited at the prospect of working with this team to help further the Highlanders."
