Cape Town - Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph's rumoured move to Japan is looking likely, with the franchise set to make an announcement on Thursday.
According to the Stuff website, Joseph was first linked with the Japan coaching role in December last year, as the Brave Blossoms began to search for a replacement for Eddie Jones, who stepped down at the end of the Rugby World Cup and is now head coach of England.
The Highlanders have called a press conference with Joseph and chief executive Roger Clark before training on Thursday.
Any deal would likely see him remain at the Highlanders until the end of the season, which is when his contract expires.
Joseph has been coach of the Highlanders since the start of the 2011 season, during which time they have had a 42-42 win-loss record.
They won Super Rugby for the first time last year, beating the Hurricanes in the final.
Joseph has strong links to Japan, having played nine tests for them in 1999.
Japan's next Tests are scheduled for the June international window, when Scotland will visit for two matches.
The Highlanders open the defence of their Super Rugby title against the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, February 26 at 08:35 SA time.