Share

Tiatia linked to Sunwolves job

Tokyo - Former All Black Filo Tiatia is set to take over from countryman Mark Hammett as head coach of Japan's Sunwolves Super Rugby side, local media reported on Friday.

The 45-year-old has acted as assistant to Hammett in the Tokyo franchise's inaugural season, and has further coaching and playing experience with Top League outfit Toyota Verblitz.

Japanese Super Rugby officials told AFP they could not confirm Tiatia's appointment but hoped to make a formal announcement by the end of September.

Englishman Ben Ryan, who led Fiji to gold at the Rio Olympics last month, has also been linked to the Sunwolves job.

Hammett, who has endured a troubled first season with the Sunwolves, will return to New Zealand at the end of the season to take up a role as assistant coach of the Highlanders.

Hammett's appointment by the Sunwolves was one of several to be made alarmingly late, giving the side very little time to prepare for the 2016 campaign.

As predicted, the Sunwolves have struggled, compiling a record of one win, one draw and 13 defeats in the southern hemisphere's elite club competition.

They hit rock bottom in a 92-17 humiliation by South Africa's Cheetahs in April, prompting criticism from former Japan coach Eddie Jones among others.

The Sunwolves joined the competition following Japan's astonishing performance at last year's World Cup where the Brave Blossoms won three pool games, including a 34-32 shock upset over two-time champions South Africa.

But delays bringing in players and coaching staff sabotaged the team's preparations while Jones, now in charge of England, slammed the Sunwolves' lack of depth as "embarrassing".

Japanese rugby chiefs have made no secret of their desire for the country's top players to turn out for the Sunwolves.

But despite bumper crowds supporting the team, several marquee Japan players snubbed the Sunwolves to sign for other clubs on more lucrative contracts, including Japan captain Michael Leitch and fullback Ayumu Goromaru.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE