Jamie Joseph to coach NZ Maori

CRAIG SIMCOX/The Dominion Post

MAORI CHIEF: Wellington coach Jamie Joseph is the new coach of the New Zealand Maori rugby team.

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Wellington rugby coach Jamie Joseph has been handed the New Zealand Maori job for their big centenary season.

He takes over from Donny Stevenson.

Crusaders assistant coach Daryl Gibson will assist Joseph.

Both are former All Blacks who have played for New Zealand Maori.

They are clearly two coaches on the rise in the New Zealand scene.

The 44-year-old Joseph was an assistant Maori coach in 2006.

The announcement of the coaching appointments comes as the New Zealand Rugby Union and New Zealand Maori Rugby Board (NZMRB) prepare to announce an exciting programme of matches for the Maori team this year.

Speculation has them playing England, Wales and Ireland in New Zealand.

Centenary celebrations are already underway, the first of which will be a curtain raiser match between Te Hiku O Te Ika (Northern Region) and Te Tini a Maui (Central Region) at the Super 14 match in Hamilton tonight between the Chiefs and the Crusaders.

"I'm thrilled by the challenge of coaching the team in such a milestone year,'' Joseph said. "It's a real honour to again be involved in coaching the New Zealand Maori team."

The coaching appointments were made by a selection panel made up of NZMRB chairman Wayne Peters, NZRU board member Graham Mourie and Brent Anderson, the NZRU general manager of provincial union relationships and community rugby.

Peters said Joseph and Gibson were outstanding candidates.

"As former New Zealand Maori players, they both have an intimate knowledge of the team's unique culture, values and expectations. As coaches they are also well versed in establishing a successful team culture and know what it takes to succeed,'' Peters said.

He paid tribute to Stevenson.

"Donny had an exceptional record as assistant coach under Matt Te Pou from 2002-2005 and as head coach from 2006 to 2008 when the team won the Churchill Cup (2006) and the Pacific Nations Cup (2008). I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work and passion and commitment he has shown for the New Zealand Maori team and for Maori rugby overall," Peters said.

Peter Potaka has been re-appointed as the New Zealand Maori team manager.

The New Zealand Maori team will be announced at the end of the Super 14 in May.

- © Fairfax NZ News