Mauger happy out of spotlight

Aaron Mauger has opened up on the toll a stressful past four years has taken on him – a period when he lost both parents – and says he ‘‘hasn’t put forward as a coach for Moana Pasifika at this stage’’ despite working behind the scenes on the new Super Rugby franchise in recent months.

Mauger, 40, was let go by the Highlanders last year, but the coach now admits he ‘‘was operating at levels far from my best during the last four years’’ as he juggled the stress of a high-profile job with family commitments.

‘‘I’m currently in a good personal space, I needed a break from leading a top-level environment,’’ Mauger told Stuff.

‘‘It’s been a challenging last four years coming back from UK, losing both parents within a year of each other and working hard to settle our four kids in a new place away from family whilst trying to establish myself as head coach at the Highlanders where our performances and results were hovering below expectations.

‘‘So I needed a breather reflect and assess.

‘‘I was operating at levels far from my best during the last four years so it’s been good to take stock and personally get back on track – the break from the intensity of leading a professional team to has been hugely beneficial in terms of balance, perspective and all round fulfilment.

‘‘I’ve enjoyed paying more attention and spending more time on the most important things in life, in particular being more present as a husband and father.’’

Mauger’s comments lift the lid on the intense pressure felt by

Super Rugby coaches, and how hard that can be to manage, especially with four children of school age whose own lives require stability and support.

Mauger was sacked by Leicester in 2017 during a turbulent spell for the English club, and he returned to New Zealand and joined the Highlanders. He was head coach in Dunedin from 2018-2020, making the Super Rugby finals in his first two years before finishing fourth in Super Rugby Aotearoa last year.

Since leaving the Highlanders, Mauger has remained in Dunedin, where his four children are at school, and has been working at John McGlashan College in a role that includes mentoring as well as involvement in the rugby programme.

However, Mauger was assistant coach for Moana Pasifika in their game against the Ma¯ ori All Blacks last year and has also been providing input for the organisation as they prepare for inclusion in the 2022 Super Rugby competition.

Moana Pasifika are currently talking to player agents to try to

‘‘I was operating at levels far from my best during the last four years so it’s been good to take stock and personally get back on track.’’ Aaron Mauger

land some big fish, and Mauger said the first signings would be hugely significant in setting the tone for the franchise.

‘‘Key appointments of coaching and management team are absolutely critical to get the ball rolling with planning and preparation for the 2022 season,’’ Mauger said. ‘‘Player recruitment will also need to begin immediately and the first few signings will be key to creating the excitement for other players to follow.

‘‘[But] for me, I haven’t put my name forward as a coach at this stage.’’

Director of rugby Kevin Senio revealed on Monday that Moana Pasifika were working through a list of possible names to be part of their inaugural coaching team.

The new franchise also faces a tight timeline to put together a competitive 38-man squad in time for next year’s competition.

The granting of a full licence is conditional on support from Rugby Australia, and Stuff understands Australian rugby bosses Hamish McLennan and Andy Marinos are both in New Zealand to meet with NZ Rugby.