Highlanders recruit new assistant coach to join Jamie Joseph in 2027

The Highlanders have appointed North Harbour head coach Jimmy Maher as an assistant coach on a one-year deal for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. Head coach Jamie Joseph praised Maher's leadership, expertise, and proven track record in player development. Maher previously guided North Harbour from a wooden spoon in 2025 to a fourth-place regular season finish and a quarter-final appearance in 2026.

Maher will join a coaching staff that includes Joseph, Ben Smith, David Kidwell, Ryan Bambry, and newly appointed scrum coach Boris Stankovich. Stankovich was recently recruited to oversee the forwards and scrum after coaching stints with Leicester Tigers, Canada, and Russia, following the departures of Kane Jury and Clarke Dermody.