Jamie Joseph: Brave Blossoms boss makes a decision on his future after All Blacks snub – report
After missing out on the All Blacks top job, Japan head coach Jamie Joseph will not return to New Zealand after the Rugby World Cup, according to a report.
The Brave Blossoms boss rivalled Scott Robertson to replace Ian Foster as the All Blacks head coach and has reportedly found his next job for after the World Cup.
Staying in Japan
Joseph coached Japan at their home Rugby World Cup in 2019, guiding the side to their first-ever quarter-final, beating Scotland and Ireland in the pool stages.
Success in 2019 saw Joseph initially considered for the All Blacks top job, replacing Sir Steve Hansen, but he withdrew from the race along with assistant Tony Brown.
He remained with Japan and will coach the side at the 2023 Rugby World Cup but will step down from the position after the tournament in France.
Joseph was again linked with the All Blacks job, replacing Foster in 2024, but Robertson beat him to the role.
With the Hurricanes, Crusaders and Blues all needing new head coaches next year, the 53-year-old would have been on several teams’ shortlists.
Over in Australia, the Reds are also in the market for a new boss but reports state that Joseph will not return to New Zealand or Super Rugby.
Newshub reports that Joseph will take over as the Shizuoka Blue Revs’ new coach after the World Cup.
#Newshub can reveal Kiwi Jamie Joseph's coaching future after missing All Blacks job https://t.co/t7tpcsYdhk pic.twitter.com/gL0yNeDQwy
— Newshub (@NewshubNZ) May 2, 2023
The Japan Rugby League One outfit finished eighth overall this season and will look to improve on that next season under Joseph’s tutelage.
The news comes after reports that former Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie also turned down a return to New Zealand, opting to join the Kobelco Kobe Steelers next year.
Leon MacDonald will join the All Blacks coaching team, and it is understood that the Blues sounded out Rennie as his replacement but the former Chiefs boss opted to head to Japan instead.
It’s a further blow for New Zealand Rugby, who would have been keen to bring back two respected coaches to Super Rugby.
Jamie Joseph’s record
The former All Blacks player kicked off his coaching career with Wellington, winning over 70 per cent of his matches in charge of the side.
He went on to become the Highlanders’ head coach for six seasons and led the side to their maiden Super Rugby title in 2015, defeating the Hurricanes in the final.
In 2016, he took charge of Japan, replacing Eddie Jones following the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
He has since led the side in 42 Tests, winning 20, including historic victories over Ireland and Scotland.
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