Tony Brown to lead the Sunwolves - the team's fourth Kiwi coach in as many seasons

Former Highlanders boss Tony Brown will take over as coach of Japan's Sunwolves in Super Rugby, replacing Jamie Joseph, it was revealed last night.

Brown, 43, joined the Sunwolves at the beginning of 2018, working as Joseph's assistant. He will move into the head coach role from 2019 onwards, having penned a five-year deal with the Tokyo-based side.

Joseph stood down from his role with the Sunwolves last week, preparing to lead Japan to next year's World Cup after having missed the second half of this season with back problems.

"We would like Jamie to focus on the national team next season and have appointed Tony Brown as the Sunwolves Head Coach, especially given his ties to the national team," Sunwolves CEO Yuji Watase said.

"Tony is a top class attack coach and both the Sunwolves and the Japan national team continue to benefit from his coaching. Jamie and Tony have worked closely for a number of years and we are confident there will be continuity in approach and vision."

Brown will become the Sunwolves' fourth Kiwi coach in as many seasons, following on from the likes of Joseph and Mark Hammett.