Super Rugby: Aaron Mauger lets go of the Highlanders

Aaron Mauger’s reign as head coach of the Highlanders is over.

The Highlanders have announced that they will not renew Mauger’s contract after the team finished fourth in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Mauger took over in early 2018 on a three-year deal, replacing Jamie Joseph, who had helped usher in an era of consistent finals appearances for the franchise.

Under Mauger, the Highlanders had 20 wins, 24 losses and four draws. The news comes on the heels of the franchise’s admirable performance at Super Rugby Aotearoa, which saw them take three wins in nine games, with very few All Black representatives on their side compared to the other New Zealand franchises.

It was the former All Black center’s second head coaching job after his time coaching the Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership.

Mauger said he was realistic about his time at the helm, but said he had fond memories of his time with the Highlanders.

“Results are key to demonstrating the quality of the structures he has established as a head coach. As our results on the field during my tenure have not been at the level we all aspire to, it is the head coach who must take responsibility for that.

“The experiences come down to the quality of the people you surround yourself with and my experiences with the Highlanders clan and the people of the Deep South have been incredible and as a family we will always be grateful for that.

“I have worked with people of the highest quality who excel at what they do and wish them all the best. Real progress has been made in critical areas to aid future success and I am sure the club will benefit from this under track.”

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark thanked Mauger for his contribution and said he had worked hard over the past three years to improve the franchise.

“Aaron has focused on improving and developing the players and in that regard, he can be very proud of his efforts and we thank him for all that he has done. As a young coach with a long career ahead of him, we wish him and his all the best for the next chapter of his coaching career. “

Clark said the Highlanders organization would take its time before making a decision on a reappointment, with Tony Brown, Riki Flutey and Clarke Dermody still under contract, while forwards coach Mark Hammett left at the end of the season. .

“We have a bit of time before we need to make a final decision on our training structure for 2021.

“Over the next short period, we will be reviewing our coaching structure and who and how many we add to our current group will depend on availability and our desire to achieve balance in our coaching group.”