Rugby
ESPN staff with Reuters 4y

Jamie Joseph to continue as Japan coach through 2023

Rugby

Jamie Joseph is out of the running to coach the All Blacks after he inked a new deal to remain in charge of Japan through to the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Joseph's contract extension was unveiled by the Japan Rugby Football Union on Monday and ends any chance of him succeeding Steve Hansen at the helm of New Zealand.

"We highly appreciate that (Joseph) built up the skills of the Japan players to the world level in just three years since taking over as head coach of the men's national team on Sept. 1, 2016," JRFU President Shigetaka Mori said in a statement.

"By leading us to the best eight for the first time at this year's Rugby World Cup in Japan, we were able to glimpse the backs of the world's best.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how strong Japan can be under the guidance of Mr. Joseph."

The New Zealander guided the Brave Blossoms to a first ever World Cup quarterfinal, the hosts topping their pool after upset victories over both Ireland and Scotland.

Japan were beaten by eventual champions South Africa, but only after they had tested the Springboks well into the second half.

"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 said.

Japan won all four of their pool stage matches on home soil, including victories over top-tier nations Ireland and Scotland, to top their group before losing to eventual champions South Africa in the last eight.

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