Joseph rules out NZ role, extends stay
TOKYO: Jamie Joseph has renewed his contract as coach of Japan until the end of 2023 after leading the side to their first Rugby World Cup quarter-final last month.
The decision effectively rules him out of the vacant All Blacks coaching role.
Joseph said in a statement: “I have great expectations for rugby in Japan and I’m very honoured that I can lead the team towards the next World Cup.”
Joseph was among 26 New Zealanders invited by the All Blacks to replace Steve Hansen, who stepped down at the end of the World Cup this month.
The former All Black oversaw a campaign by Japan that exceeded all expectations and lit up the tournament — the first World Cup held in Asia and outside the traditional rugby heartlands.
Japan beat Ireland 19-12 and Scotland 28-21 to top their pool and lift their world ranking to an all-time high of sixth.
They eventually lost in the quarterfinals against South Africa, the tournament’s eventual winners.
Japan Rugby Football Union president Shigetaka Mori said the association hoped to see Joseph take the team even further. “I look very much forward to seeing how strong the Japan team will be under the leadership of Mr Joseph,” Mori said.
Joseph said he was proud of having led the Blossoms to their best World Cup showing, but warned “we have many more issues to tackle if we look ahead to the future”.
“That’s why I decided to choose the path of taking on a challenge again with the Japan team. I hope to make the team even stronger.”