Kidwell to take coaching role at Highlanders
- Dave Worsley
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The Highlanders thave confirmed a key change to their coaching line-up ahead for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Current Defence Coach, Dave Dillon, is set to depart the franchise at the end of the New Zealand U20 campaign in Italy after three seasons with the Highlanders.
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Replacing Dillon as Defence Coach is former player and Head Coach of the Kiwis David Kidwell.
Kidwell brings with him plenty of experience in both rugby and league including serving as Defence Coach for the Argentine 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 and the knowledge he will bring to the role.
"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. he said ”
Kidwell will join the Highlanders coaching team later in 2025 prior to the 2026 preseason.
The Highlanders finished bottom of the 2025 Super Rugby points tble with three wins.
