Two-Test All Black Jamie Mackintosh joins the Hurricanes coaching line-up

Former All Blacks prop Jamie Mackintosh has been named as the Hurricanes’ new set-piece coach for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season.

37-year-old Mackintosh, currently the forwards coach for the Otago NPC side, said he was excited to be making the move to the capital for the Super Rugby season.

“I’m massively excited to link up with the Hurricanes and work alongside a quality coaching group; people who I admire and can learn from.

“I’ve lived in France, the USA, and various parts of New Zealand, so I can’t wait to get to Wellington and get to know the city more. I’m looking forward to creating some special relationships with both players and coaches and immersing myself into the Hurricanes culture,” said Mackintosh.

Born in Tokonui, Mackintosh made his debut for Southland aged 19 and played 12 seasons for the Stags, making 123 appearances. He spent seven seasons with the Highlanders, captaining the side for three seasons.

Leaving the Highlanders, he headed north to the Chiefs for two seasons before shifting overseas, first to Montpellier, then the Ohio Aviators, and back to Pau for three seasons, clocking up 66 appearances for the Top 14 side.

In 2020, Mackintosh joined the Austin Gilgronis of Major League Rugby, as well as linking up with former his Highlanders teammate Tom Donnelly at Otago during the American offseason.

Mackintosh, who has been Otago’s NPC forwards coach for the last 2 seasons and Otago’s scrum coach for three years, now turns his attention to joining Jason Holland and his coaching staff for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Hurricanes Head Coach Jason Holland believes Mackintosh’s experience will be valuable for the Hurricanes forward pack.

”Along with his extensive playing career, Jamie has a wealth of experience, spending time in varying teams around the world.

“Playing and coaching in France, where Set Piece is considered the most important part of the game, will help Jamie to challenge how we operate and grow our scrum especially.

“We have chatted at length with Jamie regarding his philosophy to the game and in particular forward play. We’re confident he will add massive value to our coaching group, as he has done with Otago in the last few seasons.

“His [Mackintosh] main role will be to coach the scrum and assist Gibbo [Chris Gibbes] with our lineout and forwards but we know he will also offer knowledge around other parts of the game,” said Holland.

– with Hurricanes Rugby