KEY POINTS:
The Otago Rugby Union (ORU) has begun rebuilding on and off Carisbrook by making two key coaching and managerial appointments.
Current Highlanders assistant Glenn Moore was unveiled as Greg Cooper's successor on Tuesday as the franchise's head coach while former New Zealand cricket international Richard Reid will take over from Russell Gray as the union's chief executive.
Rocked by a player exodus, Cooper's departure for the Blues' assistant role despite a year remaining on his contract and the November departure of long-standing CEO Gray, Otago regrouped with the twin announcement.
Moore, who orchestrated North Otago's rise from the old third division during five years at the helm in Oamaru from 2000, joined the Highlanders as defence coach in 2006.
He was the most visible applicant for Cooper's job after a succession of other potential candidates including Waikato's Warren Gatland, Pat Lam (Auckland) and Southland duo Simon Culhane and David Henderson ruled themselves out.
Cooper held the head coaching role for four years leading Super rugby's southern outpost to a best placing of eighth.
Moore was chosen by a selection committee comprising Gray, former All Blacks assistant Tony Gilbert, Highlanders chairman Stuart McLauchlan, New Zealand Rugby Union high performance director Mike Chu and NZRU board member and former All Blacks captain Graham Mourie.
"One of the reasons we encouraged Glenn into the franchise in the first place was because we recognised he had the qualities that one day could make him head coach," McLauchlan said.
"I'm pleased that day has now arrived."
Moore inherits a team gutted by post World Cup defections to Europe and the loss of first five-eighth Nick Evans, who preceded Cooper's move to the Blues.
Last season's All Blacks front row of Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver and Clarke Dermody are all headed offshore while openside flanker Josh Blackie and lock Filipo Levi are also playing their trade overseas.
Despite the challenges involved, Moore said he was delighted to be appointed.
"Historically the Highlanders have always competed well but the next few years are critical to the franchise," he said.
"As with all coaching positions there will be challenges but I believe through hard work and innovation we can achieve the results that we all want."
Moore will work with the Highlanders and NZRU regarding the appointment of his assistant coach with an announcement expected to be made shortly.
While one door has opened, under NZRU policy he is no longer eligible to continue in his role as Steve Martin's assistant for Otago's Air NZ Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, Reid is leaving Canterbury Cricket after six years as CEO in order to take over from Gray in late October.
Reid, a former chief executive of Nike New Zealand, said he was looking forward to "righting the ship".
- NZPA
