Joseph drops out of All Blacks race & re-signs with Japan

The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has today announced that coach Jamie Joseph has signed a new deal with Japan, taking him through to the end of 2023 and another World Cup cycle.

Joseph, who led Japan to their first World Cup quarter-final last month, said in translated a statement: "We achieved the goal of being among the top eight countries in the World Cup, but there are still more issues to be tackled.

"To that end, I chose the path to challenge with the Japanese national team again. I want to strengthen the team.

"I have a great sense of expectation in Japan of rugby, I think are very pleased to be able to lead the team for the next Rugby World Cup."

The former Highlanders coach had been considered a frontrunner for the All Blacks coach role but the JRFU made their desire to keep Joseph public, declaring they had an offer to table for him.

Joseph was among 26 New Zealanders invited by the All Blacks to be Steve Hansen's successor, who stepped down at the end of the World Cup this month.