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Japan coach Jamie Joseph rules out return to Highlanders following Aaron Mauger exit

(Photo: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images)

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has quashed any hope of a potential move back to the Highlanders in the wake of Aaron Mauger’s departure from the franchise.

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It was announced on Thursday that the Highlanders would not be renewing Mauger’s contract, bringing the curtain down on his three-year tenure in Dunedin.

The decision to let the former All Blacks midfielder go was met with hope among the Highlanders faithful that the franchise’s former coach Joseph could make a remarkable return to Forsyth Barr Stadium.

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Fullbacks McKenzie and Barrett say North vs South clash will not be a kicking duel

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Fullbacks McKenzie and Barrett say North vs South clash will not be a kicking duel

Joseph has cult hero status in Dunedin after guiding the Highlanders to their first-ever Super Rugby title in 2015 during his six-season spell with the club, but the Brave Blossoms boss has ruled out the possibility of returning as Mauger’s replacement.

Speaking to the Otago Daily Times, Joseph revealed he wouldn’t be able act as head coach of both the Japanese national side, the team he is contracted to the 2023 World Cup with, and the Highlanders at the same time.

He did, however, express sympathy for Mauger, a sentiment that was echoed by Highlanders co-captain Ash Dixon on Friday.

“It’s pretty sad news,” North Island hooker Dixon said ahead of this weekend’s North vs South clash in Wellington.

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“I flicked Azza [Mauger] a message last night just to express my thanks for what he’s done for me and our club. I guess it’s a pretty fickle business, isn’t it?

“He’s a good man and I’m sure we’ll cross paths again some other time.”

Joseph’s comments come a day after former Highlanders and All Blacks coach Laurie Mains said the 50-year-old would be a great fit for his former side.

“I just wonder with Japan really winding back their activities in rugby, I just wonder if Jamie Joseph might be on the radar, given that him and Tony Brown have proved to be a formidable combination,” Mains said.

Since leaving the Highlanders for Japan in 2016, Joseph has enjoyed plenty of successes, including a draw against France in 2017 and wins over Scotland and Ireland to see them through to a maiden World Cup quarter-final appearance last year.

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He has been helped by long-time assistant coach Tony Brown, who had been juggling his role as Japan assistant with his position as Highlanders assistant to Mauger.

As a former Highlanders head coach in 2017, Brown is the leading candidate to succeed Mauger for the Highlanders’ top job.

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R
RedWarrior 57 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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LONG READ England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit
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