Matson not in running for defence coach

Tabai Matson
Tabai Matson
The Highlanders are still working on finding a replacement defence coach but former Crusaders assistant coach Tabai Matson is not in the reckoning.

Matson has quit as coach of English Premiership club Bath and will return to New Zealand later this month.

He told Bath Rugby TV his mother and mother-in-law were both unwell and he wanted to return home.

Matson joined Bath last season after former Crusaders team-mate Todd Blackadder was appointed as the club's rugby director.

The pair worked together at the Crusaders from 2013 to 2016. Matson assisted Blackadder, who was the head coach.

''This has been an incredibly tough decision for me,'' Matson said.

''I have enjoyed every minute at Bath Rugby, and we have such a great group of players here who I believe will achieve great success.

''Ultimately, I have made the decision that as a family, we need to be at home in New Zealand, and I appreciate the club's understanding.''

Matson played alongside Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett at the Crusaders, so that might have provided an opening for Matson in the South.

The Highlanders need a replacement for Scott McLeod, who has joined the All Blacks coaching staff. But chief executive Roger Clark said the franchise was not talking to Matson about the vacancy.

''I've only just read it in the newspaper today that he is coming home, but he is not someone we've had any discussion with.''

The Highlanders have already conducted interviews for the position and Clark will be making some recommendations to the board at the next meeting on September 26.

''We will see how we go from there. We may or may not have a decision then.

''From our perspective there is no hurry. As long as we have someone in place by the beginning of November we will be happy.''

Otago coach Cory Brown shapes as the local favourite.

He has publicly expressed interest in the job but Clark would not confirmed whether Brown has applied for the role.

''You'd have to ask Cory about that but from my perspective we've had a good collection apply.''


 

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