Jamie Joseph has renewed his contract as coach of Japan until the end of 2023 after leading the side to their first World Cup quarterfinal last month, the Japanese Rugby Football Union confirmed on Monday.
The 49-year-old New Zealander, who was thought to be one of the main contenders to replace Steve Hansen as All Blacks coach, says he is excited about taking the Brave Blossoms to the next World Cup in France.
IMPROVED: Japan has greatly improved under the guidance of Jamie Joseph. Picture: Kevin Coombs/Reuters.
Joseph explains: “I have great expectations for rugby in Japan and I’m very honoured that I can lead the team towards the next World Cup.”
Japan rugby president Shigetaka Mori adds: “We highly appreciate that [Joseph] built up the skills of the Japan players to the world level in just three years since taking over as head coach of the men’s national team on September 1, 2016.
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“By leading us to the best eight for the first time at this year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, we were able to glimpse the backs of the world’s best.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how strong Japan can be under the guidance of Joseph.”