New Zealander Jamie Joseph has been appointed Japan's new head coach.

Joseph has been the head coach at the Highlanders since 2011 and has overseen a recent revival at the Otago outfit, leading the Kiwi side to their first-ever Vodacom Super Rugby title last year.

Joseph will see out this season with the Highlanders before taking up his new post with the Brave Blossoms, succeeding former coach Eddie Jones.

Following wage negotiations, the Japan Rugby Football Association reached a ‘basic agreement’ with Joseph and the Highlanders to release him from his contract. 

Although Joseph will only take up the Japan job on a full-time basis after Super Rugby, it's believed that he will still take charge of Japan’s June Tests against Scotland.

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