Former All Black Filo Tiatia is set to take up a role as the new forwards coach for Japan’s Super Rugby side, the Sunwolves.

In a letter on Facebook to Scots College, where he has been working as director of rugby, Tiatia confirmed his impending move to join head coach Mark Hammett at the Sunwolves.

‘It is with a heavy heart that I would like to inform you all that I will be leaving as the director of rugby here at Scots College. I have recently accepted a role in the new Japanese Super 18 franchise as the forwards coach in this year's inaugural Super 18 competition,’ Tiatia wrote.

‘The timing is obviously not fantastic and I want to apologise for that, but I am a great believer that nothing happens by accident and it happens for a purpose.'

Tiatia, who earned two caps for the All Blacks, has served as a coach at Japanese Top League side Toyota Verblitz for the last few years, while he also spent some time working under Eddie Jones with Japan.

The Sunwolves are set to kick off their Super Rugby campaign against the Lions on 27 February.

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