Mark Hammett has returned to New Zealand following the death of his mother.

The Sunwolves coach expressed his sadness at her passing and thanked the Japanese franchise for their support.

'It is a sad day for me and my family on the passing of my mother,' Hammett said in a statement. 'A lot of my success in life I owe to her. I would like to thank Japan Rugby and the Sunwolves management, players, sponsors and fans for their support at this sad time. I will leave Japan to go and support my family and lay my mum to rest.'

Hammett hopes to return to Japan for the Sunwolves' inaugural Super Rugby match against the Lions on 27 February.

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