Jamie Joseph says the selection process to appoint the new All Blacks coach was fair and “thorough”.
Speaking publicly for the first time since Dave Rennie was confirmed as All Blacks coach through to the 2027 World Cup, Joseph admitted he was disappointed to miss out, but had no complaints about how NZ Rugby handled the process.
“There was disappointment, I felt it was a tight race. It was really thorough,” the Highlanders coach said while speaking to media in Dunedin.
“There was a number of things me and Rens went through in terms of the process.”
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Joseph has now missed out on the All Blacks role twice. He was also overlooked in 2023 when Scott Robertson was appointed following a controversial recruitment drive that began before then-coach Ian Foster led the side to the World Cup in France.
But Joseph said the latest process was very different.
“And you have got to commend NZ Rugby for providing that kind of process,” he added. “It certainly was a first for me.
“I think Dave getting the job is a real credit to him. He is a qualified and quality coach who has been to a lot of places, so I wish him well.
“In my view it was a tight race, guys, it was a thorough process and that’s all I can say really.’’
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Joseph confirmed he received feedback from NZ Rugby about why he missed out, although he said the details would remain private.
“That kind of feedback is important to me personally because it gives me direction where to go next. Coaching is a learning job, so you are learning all the time.’’
Despite the disappointment, Joseph did not rule out another attempt at the All Blacks job in the future.
“You never know what’s around the corner,’’ he said.
Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
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