Wellington boss Jamie Joseph will link up with the Highlanders at the end of August © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Matches: Wellington 20 - 11 Tasman

Players/Officials: Jamie Joseph

Tournaments/Tours: ITM Cup

Teams: Highlanders | New Zealand | Wellington

As expected, Jamie Joseph will step down as Wellington boss at the end of the ITM Cup to take charge of the Highlanders for next year's Super 15 campaign.

The former All Black, who guided the New Zealand Maori to victories over the New Zealand Barbarians, Ireland and England earlier this summer, had only recently signed a new three-year deal with Wellington. However, he admitted that the opportunity to take charge of the struggling Highlanders was too good to turn down.

"The Highlanders are an exciting team with a great mix of experience and plenty of new potential. This is a great opportunity for me and one I am looking forward to," the former Otago forward said.

The Highlanders have finished no higher than ninth in the past seven seasons of Super Rugby and that has resulted in dwindling attendances. Joseph admitted that his primary objective will be winning back the respect of the supporters.

"I will want to install some southern pride into the team because clearly the fans are despondent ....and don't care," he admitted. "For me, the players need to play in a way that the public can identify with them and generally that happens when there is effort and courage - that's the first thing.

"We got to become approachable and get out there and `be southern men' and do things which we have always done in the deep south which is get out there and compete and never give in."

New Zealand Rugby Union general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen is in no doubt that Joseph is the right man to turn the Highlanders into a force once more.

"Jamie had three fantastic wins with the New Zealand Maori this year and two positive seasons with Wellington," he said. "His own successful career as a player gives him an added layer as a coach and his teams benefit from that. Stepping up to a Super rugby side is a natural progression for Jamie, and it's a move I am sure the Highlanders will capitalise on."

Highlanders chairman Ross Laidlaw is also of the opinion that Joseph can turn the province's fortunes around.

"Jamie is one of those solid figures in rugby - he was an imposing player both for the All Blacks and for Otago," he said. "He has expressed his commitment as head coach not only to the Highlanders, but also to our three provincial unions (North Otago, Otago and Southland)."