Highlanders appoint Glenn Delany as defence coach

The Highlanders have announced the experienced Glenn Delaney as their new defence coach. Delaney currently holds the position of Canterbury head coach and will start with the Highlanders, on a two year contract, at the completion of the Mitre 10 Cup.

Born in Timaru, Delaney left NZ as a 19 year old lock/number 8 to play in Japan, further stints in France and the UK followed. He played 66 games for London Irish following a spell overseas in 2004.

His first coaching position was with Nottingham where he was the head coach then director of rugby, before returning to London Irish in 2012 as their forwards coach. He later became head coach and then rugby operations manager.

Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger was familiar with Delaney’s work “Glenn had established a great reputation in the UK over the years and I occasionally used his expertise when I was with Leicester. He will make a great addition to our coaching group with his knowledge and ability to get the best out of players. 

Delaney is excited to be joining the Highlanders  “ I am delighted to join the Highlanders and am looking forward to working with a very exciting group of players and a coaching team I know well and respect. I look forward to linking up once my commitments to the Mitre 10 cup are complete”