The Highlanders have announced that former All Black and current Otago ITM Coach Tony Brown has joined the Super Rugby franchise as an assistant coach.
Brown has played for the Sharks and Stormers in Super Rugby but is best known for his 90 caps starting back in 1996 with the Hlghlanders.
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Highlanders’ Head Coach Jamie Joseph said that he had been impressed with Brown’s coaching with Otago and the he was looking forward to working with him in Super Rugby.
“I’ve been impressed with Brownie’s performances with Otago over the last couple of years; the team has played with a lot of character and he has shown a great ability to get the best out of his players. I’m looking forward to having his input in the coaching mix for 2014. ”
Brown last featured for the Highlanders in 2011 as injury cover at first five-eighth, and the following year took up a 2-year head coaching role with the Otago ITM Team.
Brown had immediate success with Otago, taking them to the finals series in both 2012 and 2013 and also winning the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 56 years.
Highlanders’ General Manager, Roger Clark congratulated Tony on his coaching appointment.
“On behalf of the Highlanders, I would like to congratulate Tony on his appointment. Tony has proven his coaching ability at ITM Cup and Japanese Top-League level, and we’re thrilled he is joining the Highlanders’ coaching team for 2014. ”
“It’s also pleasing from a franchise-wide point of view that there is a clear coaching pathway from ITM Cup to Super Rugby level”
Tony will continue in his role as the Head Coach for the Otago ITM Cup team. The Highlanders begin their season with a home match at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday 22 February against the Blues.