http://www.espnscrum.com/2011-rugby-world-cup/rugby/story/152178.html Kirwan to step down as Japan coach Former New Zealand international John Kirwan has confirmed he will step down as coach of Japan when his contract expires in December. The Brave Blossoms went into the 2011 World Cup on the back of Asian 5 Nations and Pacific Nations Cup success but failed to win a single game - a record now spanning to five successive tournaments. With Japan hosting Asia's first global gathering in 2019 - pressure will be on the hosts to succeed and with this in mind, the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) is now seeking Kirwan's successor. Kirwan paid tribute to the Brave Blossoms saying: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Japan Rugby and will always be very proud of the improvements and achievements we have made over the past five years. I will always follow the JRFU with interest and remain very grateful for the opportunity to serve Japan." Kirwan took the Japan reins in early 2007 and has since won 31 Tests, lost 22 and drew two. Prior to the 2011 showpiece event, Kirwan outlined his wish to win two of their four pool matches with the less-fancied Canada and Tonga partnering France and New Zealand in their group. However, Japan fell short of this goal - a fact highlighted by JRFU chairman Tatsuzo Yabe. "Although his achievements since he joined the JRFU were great, it is also true that we must face the result of the World Cup frankly and severely," Yabe said. "There still are tons of improvements we have to make... It is our paramount challenge to review our current high performance structure thoroughly immediately." Team captain Takashi Kikutani paid tribute to Kirwan saying: "It was disappointing that we came up short in the recent Rugby World Cup. However, under the leadership of John Kirwan, the Japan national team have grown in the last four years. He was the great coach and mentor. And I believe we have been a wonderful team." © ESPN EMEA Ltd
http://www.espnscrum.com/2011-rugby-world-cup/rugby/story/152250.html Jones keen on Japan job Former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones has confirmed his interest in succeeding John Kirwan as Japan head coach. Kirwan announced on Thursday that he will walk away from the Cherry Blossoms when his contract expires in December, after a disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign in which they failed to win a single game. The Sankei Sports newspaper quickly installed Jones as the frontrunner to replace the former All Blacks winger, claiming that the Australian's name has already been discussed by the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU). Jones, who is half-Japanese and currently employed by club side Suntory Sungoliath, has now admitted that he would jump at the chance to take over the national side. "I would definitely be interested," he told the Daily Yomiuri. "Getting Japan into the world's top 10 is a big task, but is achievable if everyone works together." Jones first came to prominence by leading the Brumbies to their first Super 12 title, in 2001. He was subsequently charged with the task of overseeing Australia's defence of their Rugby World Cup in 2003 title only to see the Wallabies lose out to England in the tournament decider. After losing his job two years later, he took up an advisory role with Saracens before then returning to his homeland to take charge of the Queensland Reds. Jones was brought on board by then South Africa head coach Jake White for their successful 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign before returning to Sarries soon after, this time as director of rugby. However, he left Vicarage Road in 2009 before then moving to Japan to link up with Suntory. © ESPN EMEA Ltd