Jamie Joseph has announced that he will step down as Japan’s head coach following the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Joseph has spent seven years in the role having previously enjoyed six years at the Highlanders where they won the Super Rugby title in 2015.
“My time in Japan was very good, and I think it’s a good time to leave,” he told reporters. “It’s good for my family.”
Building on Eddie Jones’ success
The New Zealander took over in 2016 after Eddie Jones had led the Brave Blossoms to a historic triumph over the Springboks during the 2015 World Cup.
They failed to qualify for the quarter-finals, however, with their heavy defeat to Scotland proving crucial.
Joseph’s task was to therefore guide the Japanese into the knockout stages at their home tournament.
The hosts won all their matches in Pool A, defeating Ireland, Scotland, Samoa and Russia, before they succumbed to eventual winners South Africa in the last eight.
Japan have struggled since then with the team failing to build on that performance, resulting in the side dropping down to 10th in the rankings.
Joseph’s next role
Joseph has often been linked to the All Blacks job but pulled out of the race after Steve Hansen’s departure in 2019 and was then overlooked for Scott Robertson when New Zealand Rugby searched for Ian Foster’s successor.
His next destination is uncertain but the 53-year-old has been linked with a role with a club in Japan’s domestic league.
He spent time coaching the Sunwolves in Super Rugby in 2017 and 2018 but has never taken charge of a team in Japan Rugby League One.
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