Jamie Joseph has stepped down from his role as Sunwolves coach to concentrate on preparing Japan for the 2019 World Cup.

Joseph has played a dual role as head coach for both Sunwolves and Japan but has chosen to prioritise the national team with the World Cup looming.

The Super Rugby side will now have their fourth coach in four years, with assistant Tony Brown, who stood in for Joseph toward the end of the season, favoured to take over.

Joseph succeeded Filo Tiatia as head coach this year but failed to prevent the Sunwolves from finishing last on the overall table for the second time in three years.

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