Highlanders bring in Lyon coaching brain
TRANSFER NEWS: Former Highlanders utility back Kendrick Lynn has returned to New Zealand after nine years in France.
Lynn, currently coaching at Lyon in the French Top 14 competition, will be part of the Highlanders 2024 coaching group.
Lynn made 36 appearances for the Highlanders between 2009-2012 at outside back and centre before making his way to France.
He was a player at Lyon from 2014-2016 before making his debut as their skills coach and impressing the club enough to have been part of the coaching roster for the last seven seasons culminating in his appointment as head coach in 2023. During his coaching career at Lyon, he has worked on both sides of the ball in both attack and defence.
“After nine years living in France I’m excited to bring home what I have learnt to the Highlanders,” Lynn said.
“I look forward to using my experiences coaching in the Top14 and European competitions to add another dimension to what the Highlanders already do so well and to continuing the work in place to grow the potential within the group and ultimately win championships.
“I can’t wait to re-connect with the people of the region and get amongst everything that awesome place has to offer.”
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark is equally excited about Lynn’s return to New Zealand and the three-year appointment
“We are delighted to be able to include Kenny in our coaching mix for 2024 and beyond. His credentials as a former player and his European experiences make him a welcome addition to our talented coaching group,” Clark said.
“We’ve been tracking his progress as a coach over the last few years and the feedback has always been very positive. Great to welcome a former Highlander back into the fold.”
Lynn will return to New Zealand later in the year at the completion of the French Top 14 competition
NZR General Manager Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said: “It’s always pleasing to see New Zealanders return home to continue to give back to the game and that’s certainly the case with Kendrick who has already made a significant contribution as a player before heading offshore.
“His experience overseas, both as a player and coach, will be an asset to New Zealand Rugby, and I’m sure he’ll receive a warm welcome from Highlanders fans as he returns to his roots to coach at his former club.”
