Jamie Joseph says he will step down as Japan head coach, after this year's Rugby World Cup in France.
The former All Black took over in 2016 and extended his contract three years later, after leading the 'Brave Blossoms' to the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals for the first time on home soil.
"My time in Japan was very good and I think it's a good time to leave," he said at the team's training camp in Miyazaki, southern Japan.
"It's good for my family."
Joseph, 53, was one of the candidates to become All Blacks head coach, but lost out to Scott Robertson. He also coached the Highlanders for six seasons, guiding them to their sole Super Rugby title in 2015.
After the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Joseph took charge of Eddie Jones' Japan, fresh from a history-making victory over South Africa.
In 42 tests, Joseph has coached Japan to 20 victories, topping their pool at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, ahead of both Ireland and Scotland. Eventual champions South Africa were the only team to defeat Japan at the tournament.
During his playing career, Joseph represented New Zealand at the 1995 World Cup and Japan at the 1999 tournament.
Japan are in Pool D with England, Argentina, Samoa and Chile at the World Cup, which runs from September 9 to October 29.
Joseph will oversee Japan for their upcoming clash with All Blacks XV at Kumamoto on July 15.
Reuters/Newshub
