Mauger set for Highlanders role

Highlanders have appointed former Leicester Tigers interim boss Aaron Mauger as assistant coach for the next two Super Rugby seasons.

Mauger was sacked by Premiership side Leicester in March, just a day after his side won the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

The former New Zealand centre has now agreed to return to his homeland in a new era for the 2015 champions, with head coach Tony Brown set to link up with Japan at the end of the current campaign.

Ex-Crusaders assistant coach Mauger said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Highlanders next season.

“The club have worked extremely hard over the last four to five years in particular to create an environment that allows the people and the team to perform at their best and to the highest levels.

“I feel very privileged to be joining the club and to be in a position on the coaching staff where I can help add to the fantastic structure put in place and help grow the team and club to achieve future success.”

Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark stated: “With the departure of Tony Brown at the end of the season we were on the lookout for another quality attack coach for the next few years.

“I know the whole club are absolutely thrilled that Aaron has chosen the Highlanders as the next step in his coaching career. Coaches of his ability are keenly sought after globally and to retain his services is excellent news.

“We perceive a really good fit for him here at the Highlanders and it will renew the emphasis our club has put on playing innovative and exciting rugby.”

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