Super Rugby 2019: Highlanders assistant coach Glen Delaney joins Welsh Scarlets

Highlanders assistant coach Glen Delaney
Highlanders assistant coach Glen Delaney. Photo credit: Photosport

New Zealand rugby's 'brain drain' continues, with the Highlanders and Crusaders due to lose assistant coaches to the English Premiership after this season.

Highlanders assistant Glen Delaney has confirmed he will leave the Dunedin-based franchise to join Crusaders rival Brad Mooar at Welsh club Scarlets.

Mooar will fill the head coaching role, with Delaney as his assistant.

"The environment that exists within the Highlanders is very special," says Delaney. "I feel privileged to have been part of it.

"I have worked with some outstanding men, who I have learned from and have hopefully imparted some knowledge too."

Delaney had previously worked with Nottingham and London Irish, before returning home to lead Canterbury to a provincial title in 2017.

He was then recruited to replace Tony Brown, now coaching in Japan, as defence coach at the Highlanders.

"His family have remained in the UK, while he has been with us, and we appreciate the sacrifices Glenn and his family have made over that time," says Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark.

"We fully understand his reasons for wanting to return to the UK and wish him all the best in his future coaching roles."

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