Joseph has unfinished business

Jamie Joseph has re-signed as head coach of the Highlanders for a further two years, the NZRU and the Highlanders.

The 42-year-old former All Black and Otago representative took up his first season with the Highlanders in 2010 following coaching success with the New Zealand Maori and the Wellington Lions.

NZRU General Manager Neil Sorensen said Joseph's re-signing was great news for New Zealand rugby and for the Highlanders.

"Jamie has helped to re-ignite the Highlanders and their supporters and it's great to see the team doing so well. This re-signing will be a great anchor for the Highlanders next two campaigns as they look to push for a finals berth.

"Under Jamie's watch the Highlanders have experienced some fantastic results and they have delivered some thrilling rugby in Super Rugby," Sorensen said.

Highlanders General Manager Roger Clark said they were excited about the opportunity to continue working with Joseph.

"Having Jamie re-sign for another two years is a great result for the Highlanders and this will allow the franchise to build on the outstanding progress made since his arrival. He has added so much value to the team and business over the past two seasons, and he'll be a central part of our next two seasons."

Jamie Joseph said with just two seasons he had plenty of unfinished business.

"I have really enjoyed my first two years with the Highlanders and I wanted to commit to the team and franchise as soon as possible. I have been fortunate to have a great group of committed and hard-working players with me, as well as a supportive coaching and management team, and a very energetic franchise organisation.

"We've made some real progress over the last couple of seasons, and I want to remain because I have my sights on a very clear goal - to take the Highlanders to a Super Rugby Final," he said.

The Highlanders finished eighth in 2010 and currently sitting in ninth in the Super Rugby competition with the team on a bye in the last week of the regular season. The team has a 9-7 win-loss record this season which includes spectacular early-season wins against the Chiefs, Crusaders and Hurricanes - all New Zealand teams still in contention for a finals berth.