Joseph's Japan job confirmed

It was confirmed on Thursday that Joseph will head back to Japan – where he finished his playing career – after overseeing the Highlanders' title defence of their Super Rugby title.

The New Zealander, Joseph, who steered the Highlanders to a maiden Super Rugby title last year, replaces Australian Eddie Jones – who left the Brave Blossoms after the World Cup to coach England.

The 46-year-old represented both the All Blacks and Japan during his playing career, packing down in the forward line for the Blossoms at the 1999 World Cup.

He also speaks fluent Japanese and has previously coached franchise rugby in Japan.

Joseph, who arrived at the Highlanders in 2011, said it was tough to move on after a breakthrough season in 2015 but the lure of international rugby was too strong.

"For me the challenge of the next few years with Japan is what I need to keep moving forward," he said.

"The international game is completely different from coaching at Super Rugby level and brings with it a whole new set of challenges which I am keen to tackle."

Joseph will stay with the Highlanders until the end of the Super Rugby season before taking the reins in Japan.

Highlanders Chief Executive Roger Clark conceded the situation was not ideal but said he had no doubts about Joseph's commitment for the 2016 season.

"Obviously we have mixed emotions about Jamie moving on – we would have liked him to sign a new contract with our organisation – however, we understand his reasons for signing with Japan," he said.

"After six seasons coaching in Super Rugby the new challenge of international rugby and the opportunity to coach the host nation at a World Cup proved to be too enticing.

"We couldn't have asked any more of Jamie over the last five years; he has put his heart and soul into this franchise and delivered a championship.

"The timing of the announcement is not ideal but it clears up all the speculation of the last few weeks and I know Jamie well enough to know that he will continue to give everything he has to the Highlanders until that final whistle blows.

"That's just who he is, so we have no concerns as a franchise on that front" Clark added.

The search for a new head coach will begin in earnest as soon as possible.

"Clearly in conjunction with the New Zealand Rugby Union we will be mapping out a timeline for the appointment of a new head coach," Clark said.

"It will be a thorough process and we will ensure the right person is appointed to lead the Highlanders through our next phase."

Joseph said he was determine to see the Highlanders retain their Super Rugby title.

"The franchise, the players and the people I have worked with over the last five years mean a great deal to me and the thought of that coming to an end is tough.

"I take great pride in what this franchise and all the people within it have been able to achieve in a relatively short time.

"I will always be extremely grateful for the opportunity to have been involved with the franchise and, no matter which teams I am coaching in the future, the Highlanders will always hold a special place in my heart.

"While I am looking forward to Japan, for now my focus is still with the Highlanders and ensuring we can build on last year's success."