Aaron Mauger

Aaron Mauger backed to succeed as Moana Pasifika coach

The Auckland-based franchise was yesterday granted an unconditional licence to join an expanded competition next year.

RNZ Pacific understands former Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger, who is of Samoan and Cook Islands descent, will lead the team in 2022, with fellow former All Black Filo Tiatia coming on board as an assistant coach.

Mauger was a part of the Moana Pasifika coaching staff against the Māori All Blacks last year and Kefu believed it was a good fit.

"Very good coaches, very capable," he said of the impending appointments.

Ex-Highlanders coach to join Moana Pasifika coaching staff alongside former All Blacks teammate

Aaron Mauger, who earned 46 caps for New Zealand over a seven-year career, is set to join Tana Umaga in the coaches box of the Moana Pasifika side that will take on the Maori All Blacks next month according to Stuff.

Mauger has remained in Dunedin since the Highlanders decided not to extend the Cantabrian’s contract beyond the current season but will link up with his former All Blacks midfield partner ahead of the one-off fixture in Hamilton.

Tony Brown replaces Aaron Mauger at Highlanders

Brown replaces Aaron Mauger who left after Super Rugby Aotearoa last month following the completition of his three year contract.

The former Otago, Highlanders and All Black first five, who was an assistant under Mauger this year, has signed a two year contract.

Brown was the assistant coach with Jamie Joseph during 2014-2016 then took over the top job in 2017 and guided the team to the play-offs, this was followed by two years with the Japanese national side which historically made the quarter-finals at the 2019 World Cup.