Struggling Sunwolves suffer Super Rugby blow after 'tough decision' by Joesph

Tony Brown will take over as Sunwolves head coach for the remainder of the Super Rugby season as Jamie Joseph is set to undergo a back operation.

Joseph is to return to New Zealand for a minor procedure, so Brown – who works as the team’s attack coach - will step up to the lead role for the final three fixtures, starting with the clash against the Bulls on June 30.

Japan head coach Joseph will be given time to recover ahead of the November Tests against New Zealand and England.

"Though it was a very tough decision for me not to accompany the Sunwolves for the last three matches of the season, I had to think of what was best for the greater goal of Japanese Rugby." said Joseph.

"The team will be in the very capable hands of Tony Brown and our support staff and I will look forward to continue to monitor their progress till the end of the Super Rugby Season for 2018."