Highlanders confirm head coach replacement for Aaron Mauger

Former All Blacks first five-eighth Tony Brown has been announced as Aaron Mauger’s replacement as Highlanders head coach.

The Country Sport Breakfast on Gold AM has revealed that Brown will take over the role next season.

Brown was an assistant under Mauger this year and has previously coached the Sunwolves and Otago. He was also an assistant for Japan under Jamie Joseph at last year’s Rugby World Cup.

Sam Smith Reports – Bledisloe II – All Blacks v Wallabies

Sam Smith Reports – Bledisloe II – All Blacks v Wallabies

He also previously coached the Highlanders in 2017 when the side reached the quarter-finals.

The Otago Daily Times reports Brown has signed a two-year deal with the franchise before he will return to Japan for the 2023 World Cup campaign.

The Highlanders announced last month that they will not be renewing Mauger’s contract, after the side finished fourth in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Mauger took over the role at the start of 2018 on a three-year deal, replacing Brown and Joseph, both of whom had helped usher in an era of consistent finals appearances for the franchise.

Under Mauger, the Highlanders garnered 20 wins, 24 losses and four draws while making two quarter-final appearances in his first two seasons in charge in Dunedin.