Super Rugby Pacific: Former co-captains join Highlanders backroom staff
The Highlanders have received a boost ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season with the news that their former co-captains Nasi Manu and Ben Smith have joined their management team.
Manu, who co-captained the Dunedin-based franchise with Smith when they won the Super Rugby title in 2015, will serve in an operations and player mentoring role.
Still playing at provincial level
The 34-year-old is still active as a player and represented mid-Canterbury in New Zealand’s Heartland Championship in 2022. He battled cancer in 2019 before returning to play for Tonga and Otago.
“The opportunity to work in a club that I love with and to mentor some younger players was too good to turn down,” Manu told the Highlanders’ official website.
“I don’t know if it signals the end of my playing days just yet, at the moment I am just excited about being able to continue to work in rugby and with the Highlanders.”
The Highlanders general manager of rugby, Greg O’Brien, said Manu is highly respected at the club by both past and present players.
“Nasi came here in 2010 and had an immediate impact on everyone at the club – his engaging approach off the field and uncompromising play on it certainly left a lasting impression,” he said.
“Nasi’s professional attitude and passion for the club will provide a positive influence for many of our up-and-coming players. His unique perspective and inspiration come from a guy who has been there and done that in rugby terms.”
Fellow Highlanders legend Smith has already been involved in coaching having worked with Otago’s National Provincial Championship squad during the 2022 season. He will be working with the Highlanders for two days a week focusing on the back three counter-attack.
“I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy coaching, or if the players would respond to my style of coaching, however I certainly enjoyed my time with Otago and was encouraged enough to commit some time to the Highlanders,” said Smith.
“As most people would probably guess, this region and this club mean a great deal to me.”
Highlanders head coach Clarke Dermody is delighted that Smith has joined his backroom staff and is keen to utilise the former All Blacks full-back’s knowledge during the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
“Ben has only just retired from a great rugby career, and I knew he probably wasn’t likely to want to commit all his time to coaching straight away,” he said.
Invaluable knowledge
“As one of world rugby’s best counter attackers from full-back he understands the role of the back three in detail and the knowledge he will be able to impart to our players will be invaluable.”
Between Smith and Manu they have represented the Highlanders in over 200 and know what it takes to be successful. The Highlanders are hoping that combined with the new coaching group, their collective presence should provide the club’s players with all the support they need.
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