Allister Coetzee lands head coach job in Japan

Former Springboks coach Allister Coetzee has been named as the new coach of Japanese club Canon Eagles.

According to club's official website, Coetzee has signed a contract for the 2018/19 season.

Coetzee, who was sacked in February as Springbok coach, will return to Japan following his unfavourable performance as the national coach.

During Coetzee's two year tenure, the Springboks slumped to six on the World Rankings and suffered two of their greatest defeats - the 0-57 defeat to All Blacks and the 38-3 hammering at the hands of Ireland in November.

The former teacher previously coached the Kobelco Steelers in Japan.

"I am very excited to return to Japan. The last Japanese work I was able to enjoy the Japanese culture, Japanese culture was very challenging," Coetzee revealed on www.canon-eagles.jp.

"It is a great honour to be a member of Canon Eagles with the vision of becoming one of the top teams in Japan's top league.

"I would like to add my own new value to the advanced and professional environment that Canon Eagles has. I am looking forward to challenging new goals with everyone in the team."