Richard Buckman and the Highlanders are much improved in 2014 © Getty Images

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Jamie Joseph has signed a two-year contract extension with the Highlanders.

The former Otago and All Blacks player joined the Highlanders as coach in 2010, after roles with the Maori All Blacks and Wellington Lions, and the team is tracking to make the Super Rugby play-offs for the first time since 2002. The Highlanders sit fifth on the table with a home game against the Chiefs and away fixtures against New South Wales Waratahs and the Crusaders to play.

"We've got an exciting young group of guys playing for us this year and I'm looking forward to working with them in the future as head coach to see what we can achieve as a team," Joseph said. "I've got a great coaching team around me and we've worked hard this year to create the right environment and keen to keep this going into the next few seasons.

"I understand the responsibility that goes with being a head coach and I am looking forward to that challenge in the next two years. I also understand what rugby means to the people and communities in the south, and I feel privileged to be the coach of a team that is showing some real promise and future - being a part of that is exciting."

Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said Joseph had "developed into a very good coach, and the Highlanders are excited by the progress the coaching team has made in 2014 led by Jamie".

"When Jamie first started with the Highlanders in 2011 the goal was to develop the Highlanders as an organisation and a team that the fans and stakeholders respected and supported; there is no doubt that Jamie has had a large influence on the Highlanders achieving this goal and his commitment for another two years will assist the Highlanders to continue this momentum."