Wellington Rugby today announced that Jamie Joseph has been appointed as the new coach of the Vodafone Wellington Lions. He takes over from Aussie McLean, who has stepped aside as planned to concentrate exclusively on his role as Hurricanes Assistant Coach.

Joseph, the 37-year-old former All Black, was part of the successful coaching team which guided the Vodafone Wellington Lions to the Air New Zealand Cup Final in October, and previously was involved as a specialist lineout coach with the team.

He is delighted at the prospect of coaching the Lions in the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup.

“This is a big challenge for me personally. This year the All Blacks were away for most of the tournament which meant that we had to bring on a whole new set of forwards, and I’m very pleased with the way that the youngsters stepped up. They made giant strides and I’m looking forward to helping with their continued development next year.

“In 2008 we face a different sort of challenge, working with some players who have three different sets of coaches throughout the year with the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Lions. It’s my job to keep them focused on the Air New Zealand Cup and allow them to utilise the best that they have learnt from their other coaching influences.”

Wellington Rugby Chairman, Joe Pope was thrilled to have secured Joseph’s services.

“Jamie is an outstanding rugby individual. He has proved himself as a player at the very highest level and has developed into a well respected coach. We have great confidence that he is the right man to take our union forward and build on the excellent work of the last few years.

“This year he took a young pack of unheralded players, many of whom were new to provincial rugby, and guided them all the way to the final. We are delighted that he has accepted the position of Head Coach, and I’m sure that with Jamie at the helm, we will be able to look forward to more success from this group of players.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the work of Aussie McLean and Alama Ieremia. They have helped to turn a rebuilding season into one in which we nearly picked up the ultimate prize, and the knowledge and wisdom that Aussie has passed on to Jamie, Alama and the players will be of benefit to Wellington for many years to come.”