Japan coach Joseph takes charge of Sunwolves
The Sunwolves have just come off another horror season in the Southern Hemisphere's elite club competition, winning just two games.
They won only one of 15 games the year before, in a chastening debut season.
Joseph took over Japan's national side following their impressive display at the 2015 World Cup, where they won three matches, including a shock 34-32 win over two-time world champions South Africa.
The former All Black will now double up as head coach of both the Brave Blossoms and the Sunwolves as he looks to build for the 2019 World Cup, to be held in Japan.
"As the new head coach, I understand the responsibility of coaching at this level," said Joseph.
"I can't wait for next season. We have a huge challenge ahead of us but I've been here before with the Highlanders."
The Sunwolves kick off their 2018 season on February 24 at home to the Brumbies.
Last week SANZAAR, Super Rugby's governing body, called the Sunwolves' performances "disappointing" and said responsibility for the franchise was being moved to an entity called the Japan Super Rugby Association.
Agence France-Presse
#サンウルブズ の2018シーズンの指揮を、日本代表ヘッドコーチの #ジェイミー・ジョセフ 氏が執ることになりました。
#フィロ・ティアティア 前HC とジェイミー・ジョセフ新HCのコメント→ https://t.co/c96UADWWdn #sunwolves #Awoooo pic.twitter.com/jBhmcEBeny
— HITO-Com SUNWOLVES (@sunwolves) September 29, 2017
