New Japan coach’s appeal

INCOMING Japan coach Jamie Joseph wants more Brave Blossom internationals to return home and play for the Sunwolves ahead of the 2019 World Cup.

The Sunwolves are the only side without a win in Super Rugby after problems forming a roster, with nine of the squad who performed so well for Japan at last year’s World Cup playing around the world for other clubs.

Joseph will step down as head coach of current champions the Highlanders at the end of the season to take charge of Japan and he is hopeful more Japanese will follow him with an eye on a competitive showing at their home 2019 World Cup.

“Next year, one of my goals is to attract all the Japanese national players around the world back home and play for the Sunwolves,” he said.

“It is important for our preparation for the World Cup. If we have a Sunwolves team and we don’t have the majority of the national team playing for them, it doesn’t really serve a purpose for our preparation. So that’s a big challenge for us.”

The Sunwolves have already lost Samoan flyhalf Tusi Pisi, arguably their best player this season, for next year.