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Highlanders Announce Change to Coaching Team
11 July 2025
The Highlanders today announce a key change to their coaching line-up ahead of the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. Current Defence Coach, Dave Dillon, is set to depart the club at the end of the New Zealand U20 campaign in Italy after three seasons with the Highlanders.
Replacing Dillon as Defence Coach is former player and Head Coach of the Kiwis David Kidwell.
A respected figure in both rugby league and union circles, Kidwell brings with him a wealth of high performance experience, including serving as Defence Coach for the Argentinean national side under Michael Cheika, during their run to the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Recently he has served as the Defence coach for the Japanese Brave Blossoms under Eddie Jones and the Leicester Tigers again with Cheika.
Joseph welcomed Kidwell’s appointment, saying:
"David brings a unique skill set, an intense defensive mindset, and strong mana. His experience at the international level, both in league and union, makes him an exciting addition to our coaching group. We’re confident he’ll bring real steel to our defensive identity."
Kidwell is also looking forward to the experience:
“I’m really excited to be coaching the Highlanders, and to be back home in New Zealand 30 years on from when I left as an 18-year-old to pursue my dream of playing in the NRL - a journey built on grit, hard work, and a winning mindset. Now, as a defence coach, I thrive on adding value to organisations both on and off the field. I bring a strong focus on physicality, mindset, and team culture, and I believe that success is built not just through discipline and effort, but also through having some fun along the way. ”
Kidwell will join the Highlanders coaching team later in 2025 prior to the 2026 preseason.
David Kidwell - Coaching Career:
2024-25 Japan
2022-23 Argentina
2018-22 Paramatta Eels
2018-20 Māori All Stars
2014-18 NZ Kiwis
2013-16 West Tigers
2011-13 Melbourne Storm
ENDS
