Jamie Joseph on Missing All Blacks Job & Dave Rennie Appointment
Jamie Joseph has publicly acknowledged his disappointment at missing out on the All Blacks head coaching role, but offered his full support to newly appointed coach Dave Rennie and praised the thoroughness of the selection process. The Highlanders coach, preparing his team for a Saturday match against the Force in Dunedin, described the race as “tight” and indicated he received valuable feedback from New Zealand Rugby.
Joseph’s candidacy followed the dismissal of Scott Robertson in January, a move that initially positioned him as a frontrunner. Although, New Zealand Rugby ultimately opted for Rennie, who was officially announced as head coach on , on a two-year deal.
“Yeah, there was disappointment,” Joseph admitted. “I thought it was a tight race. It was a good process – really thorough. There were a number of things that me and Rens went through in terms of the process. It was very different to the last time, and you’ve got to commend New Zealand Rugby for providing that kind of process. It certainly was a first for me.”
The Highlanders coach was quick to express his respect for Rennie, highlighting his extensive coaching experience. “Dave getting the job is a real credit to him. He’s a qualified and quality coach who has been to a lot of places, so I wish him well.”
Joseph revealed he had already been in contact with Rennie following the announcement, a gesture he characterized as indicative of the quality within the All Blacks program. “The first message was from Dave Rennie. That’s the kind of quality that the All Blacks have and I’ve got no doubt he will do well.”
While acknowledging the setback, Joseph emphasized his commitment to continued growth as a coach. He confirmed he received specific feedback from the interview panel, describing it as “important… personally, because it gives me a direction about where to go next. Coaching is a learning job so you’re learning all the time.” He declined to publicly disclose the details of that feedback.
Despite not securing the top job this time around, Joseph remains a highly regarded figure within New Zealand Rugby and hasn’t ruled out future opportunities with the All Blacks. “You never know what’s around the corner,” he said. “A month ago, I was getting ready for a campaign with the Highlanders for the year and then… it was quite surprising. This [at Highlanders] is a job I was committed to three years ago and it’s a great job coaching the Highlanders.”
When questioned about his future with the Highlanders beyond the current season, Joseph offered a somewhat ambiguous response, stating, “I’m not sure what that has to do with things.” This has fueled speculation about his long-term plans and potential availability should another opportunity with the All Blacks arise.
Joseph also addressed reports regarding potential assistant coaches for the All Blacks, clarifying that speculation about his involvement in selecting those individuals was inaccurate. He pointed to the immediate need for a high-quality attack coach, given the departures of Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland, but acknowledged the difficulty of securing qualified candidates mid-season due to existing contractual commitments.
“No, not 100% correct,” Joseph said regarding the reports. “I think what is evident is there needed to be a high-quality attack coach for the All Blacks given the fact Leon [MacDonald] and Jason [Holland] had let go of the All Blacks. Mid-season, there’s not a lot of availability. Most coaches who are qualified to coach at that level are obviously committed to other contracts.”
Joseph acknowledged the potential distraction caused by the coaching search on his Highlanders team but expressed confidence in their ability to refocus. “I don’t feel like I let the team down but no doubt there was a distraction. There was a lot of publicity in the last month. To be able to set it to bed and focus on the Highlanders is what I’m up for.”
The appointment of Dave Rennie marks a significant shift for the All Blacks, bringing in a coach with a wealth of experience both in New Zealand and abroad. Rennie previously led the Chiefs to Super Rugby titles in and , and most recently coached the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan after a stint as head coach of the Australian Wallabies. His return to New Zealand comes at a crucial time as the All Blacks prepare for the Nations Championship and the Rugby World Cup.
While Joseph’s immediate future remains with the Highlanders, his continued ambition and the respect he commands within the New Zealand rugby community suggest he will remain a prominent figure in the sport for years to come. His gracious acceptance of the outcome and willingness to support Rennie underscore the strong sense of professionalism and camaraderie that exists within the All Blacks system.