Jamie Joseph, coach of Japan’s rugby team, has re-signed until the end of 2023 following a successful home World Cup campaign where the Brave Blossoms fought against the odds to make it out of the pool stage.
Seen as one of the best underdog performances in the tournament’s history, Japan went past both Ireland and Scotland to top their group, before falling to eventual champions South Africa in the final.
Joseph was seen as one of the main candidates to take up the vacant All Blacks job in the coming weeks following Steve Hansen’s decision to step away from the post.
Others rumoured to be in the running include Scott Robertson, Ian Foster and Dave Rennie, who is also said to be on Rugby Australia’s radar to replace Michael Cheika as head coach of the Wallabies.
The coaching of Joseph, who has been with the Japanese team since 2016, while also spending two years in charge of the Sunwolves at Super Rugby level in that time period, and has been credited with many of the improvements in the nation, where rugby is still a sport developing talent.
The new deal officially sees Joseph remain the coach until December 31, 2023, meaning he will see through the next World Cup campaign for the Asian team. After finishing at the top of their group, Japan will not have to qualify for the tournament, which is set to be hosted in France.
MORE TO COME.
Rugby wizard
Guest
Not just the general public but the players as well.
Rugby wizard
Guest
Not just the general public but also the players.
smoothy
Roar Rookie
I reckon the Bledisloe would finally go back to Australia, if that were the case.
Chucked
Guest
Good on Joseph. Its also highly likely that Joseph and Brown (am assuming Brown comes with the deal) have had a staggering increase in the already world class salary they both received - so no hurt at all to be wanted by the All Blacks. In four years if the new Coach is doing no good then Joseph would have only improved his odds
PiratesRugby
Guest
Why would anyone want to coach the Wallabies? Why associate yourself with such an unsuccessful and unpopular team? The organisation is dysfunctional. The coach would be the target of almost instant criticism, especially if he’s from overseas. All of those coaches who have had their names associated with the job will end up somewhere else. The interest from the Wallabies might just be used as a bargaining ploy to bump up their salary. We need to accept how bad we really are. Until we do, we’ll continue to slide. The rot set in when we sacked McKenzie. Everyone associated with that needs to be purged from the system. That includes the current captain and the cohort of players who undermined the coach.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think that is a consideration - his results with Montpelier and Verblitz. He simply doesn't look as appealing as he did when he left Australia.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Think you’re right mate, and I say this as a Brumbies fan with a lot of appreciation for him.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
True, but it’s also really 6 years since his last real success with the Brumbies. His results have declined as the laws have changed.
Old Bugger
Guest
Well, there goes my dream-team wish.....all the best JJ.
Pinetree
Roar Rookie
This is great news for Japan, and their continued development. Doubt many would've complained if Joseph (and Brown) was selected to coach NZ or Aus either. All the best to Joseph, Brown, and Japanese rugby for the next 4 years, looks like you're in pretty good hands, I reckon.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Bit harsh. Why is he a pretender?
Lux Interior
Roar Rookie
Back to back to back SR titles for Robertson.
KCharleton
Roar Rookie
Though his U20 record is fairly impressive internationally? And he’s done well with back to back SR titles in his first two years. I’d be more than happy to have him as head coach
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Couldn't agree more Corne!
The Late News
Roar Rookie
I think this is great for Japanese rugby. Shows confidence in Mr. Joseph. Hopefully he can retain his team and most of the players.
Gilbert
Roar Rookie
It'll be amusing if New Zealand rugby appoint Foster and RA appoint Rennie.
Why a shame, he might be new to international rugby but he has a good resume?
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Rescue the brand.. Just like Rassie did with the Boks... All flows from there. If Aussie rugby won the World cup it would have strongly positioned them. Sponsors like Qantas would be in no position to dictate policy. Same happened in SA Rugby when Supersport put their foot down demanding Coetzees removal. They have made so much money now out of the World Cup they will polish Bennie Alexander's shoes if he demanded it.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
If they win they will.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I think Jake could be great for us but there is absolutely a risk that he turns off the general public. He’s my preferred pick just for the fact that he’s been knocking on the door asking for the job as long he has been. He’s been asking for the job for six years and still has his hand up. That’s commitment I appreciate