Clarke Dermody will bring the curtain down on a 12-year coaching career at the Highlanders at the end of this season.
He is heading to Ulster after accepting an assistant coach role with the Irish club.
Dermody has been a hard-working and respected member of the Highlanders since joining the team in a scrum coaching role in 2014.
He graduated to a full assistant role before standing in for Tony Brown as head coach and leading the Highlanders to five straight wins in the transtasman competition in 2021.
Dermody then served two years as head coach — becoming the first Southland man to hold the position — before reverting to an assistant under Jamie Joseph.
Chief executive Roger Clarke said the Highlanders were ‘‘immensely proud’’ of Dermody as he prepared to head to Ulster.
‘‘Clarke has been a loyal and influential figure in our organisation for more than a decade, and his contribution to the Highlanders cannot be overstated.
‘‘He has helped shape our environment, develop our young men and carry forward the values that make this club special.
‘‘While we are naturally sad to see him go, we are equally proud to see Clarke take the next step in his coaching journey.
‘‘Ulster are gaining not only an excellent coach, but a person of integrity, humility and deep rugby knowledge.
‘‘Clarke leaves with our full support and gratitude, and he will always remain part of the Highlanders family.
‘‘We wish him, Sarah and his family every success in this next chapter.’’
Dermody also coached with his hometown Stags before guiding Tasman to back-to-back NPC titles.
He played three tests at prop for the All Blacks as well as 92 games for Southland, 44 for the Highlanders and more than 100 for London Irish.
