The Highlanders are flat-tack this week with player and staff reviews following the end of their disappointing season.
Nobody at the club is turning cartwheels at a points table showing them dead last with three wins from 14 games, but they appear to be committed to playing the long game in the belief they are putting positive steps in place.
Clark, who has seen all the ups and downs in his 15 years as Highlanders chief executive, told the Otago Daily Times he was optimistic about the future despite reflecting on the last placing in 2025.
"I am disappointed with the result — every year we start the campaign with the objective of winning," he said.
"In saying that, I am incredibly proud of the effort everyone put in and like others I feel like we are building something very special with this group of young men."
Clark acknowledged the heart-warming response from Highlanders fans to the season’s challenges.
The surprising reaction to the wooden spoon has largely been one of understanding and patience, rather than recrimination and acrimony, perhaps a reflection on the support base’s faith in coach Jamie Joseph to turn things around.
"That is very encouraging.
"However, I am under no illusion this can occur for one year, and come 2026 Super Rugby Pacific, we need to turn the learnings and fans’ faith into wins on the field."
The Highlanders have re-signed nearly all their best players. That suggests the environment at the club is at a higher mark than their on-field placing, and Clark said continuity was a big part of building a winning team.
"It is important that the club’s retention is healthy.
"Jamie and his team have built a great environment, and the players are endorsing this by signing future contracts. They enjoy being part of the club and believe this team can achieve something special."
Joseph and his coaching staff had two major roles, Clark said.
The first was to build an environment that players wanted to stay in or join, and the other was to develop players and a winning game plan.
"While the wins didn’t come, everyone could see that the game plan was there to win. Execution and decision-making at key moments let us down; some of this is experience and the other is not being good enough."
Clark would not comment on the make-up of Joseph’s coaching team next season.
Clarke Dermody, Dave Dillon, Ben Smith, Cory Brown and Kane Jury were assistants this year.
The Highlanders attracted an average crowd of 13,500 this season.
"That was a great result considering the table finish," Clark said.
"Significantly, the Super Rugby competition is in the strongest position it has been for a number of years with average attendance and viewership both on the rise across the competition."
