• Direct contracts to benefit franchise
The New Zealand union yesterday appointed Rugby Southland chief executive Roger Clark to the position of project manager for the Highlanders.
Mr Clark, who denied he had been called in to take over the Highlanders, said it was vital to have a strong franchise in the South.
The franchise will end its sixth straight season as the lowest-finishing New Zealand side in the Super 14, while it is also heading for a financial loss off the field.
Mr Clark will be in the job for three months and, during that period, will relinquish all responsibilities as Rugby Southland's chief.
Mr Clark said yesterday it would not be an easy job but one to which he was looking forward.
He dismissed the suggestion it was a case of a Southlander moving up to take over from Otago management.
"I've been saying it for a long time, but if we have a strong Highlanders team then that is good for Southland and it is good for Otago," Mr Clark said.
"We in the South are not a community that rolls over.
"We need a successful team that goes into the new stadium in a couple of years.
"We have got to do it and make this team and franchise successful.
"I still think a lot of people care about this team.
"But do enough? Probably not, but we need to turn that around."
Mr Clark said he would meet board chairman Ross Laidlaw and Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid early next week to define his role.
"We have got to work a lot better on and off the field and take this franchise forward.
"Is it as simple as getting some better players? That will help but there is a lot more to it than that."
Mr Clark was approached about the position only last Friday.
He declined to comment on the future of coach Glenn Moore.
The appointment is the latest in a series of moves to help the Highlanders.
The NZRU last year committed to financially underwrite the franchise for the next two seasons.
It appointed NZRU board member and now temporary chairman Mike Eagle to the board, while the Dunedin City Council was given a seat on the board, appointing Academy of Sport (South Island) chief executive Kereyn Smith.
The NZRU also helped to get players to return to the franchise this year.
But the moves have not led to improved results on the paddock.
The Highlanders have won only three games and are 13th, with one match remaining.
Mr Reid, who will continue in his role, welcomed the appointment, saying it would boost resources in a franchise which was well under-resourced compared with other franchises.
He did not feel the move in any way undermined him.
"This is a pretty important period with all the reviews to be done and then going through the transition to direct contracting," Mr Reid said.
"Every other franchise has got high-performance managers who do a lot of work with player contracts, yet we don't have anyone to do that.
It is complicated this year and the more brain power we can have the better."
Mr Laidlaw said Mr Clark's appointment was an opportunity for the Highlanders to ensure the future sustainability of the franchise.
NZRU professional rugby general manager Neil Sorensen said the national union still saw a future for the Highlanders and additional resources were needed.
"It is no secret that the Highlanders have faced and are facing significant challenges ... As we have signalled, we see a place for a professional franchise in the South ..."
he said.
