Japan Nets All Black Great

Former All Black John Kirwan has signed a two-year contract to coach Japan’s national rugby team. Kirwan will lead the side in its World Cup efforts this year, with plans to hone 6 elite players down to a World Cup squad during the Pacific Nations Cup in June. “We are determined to do our best to win all the matches in the World Cup,” he says. Kirwan played in Japan’s top league for the final three seasons of his career and recently wrapped up a coaching spell with Italy’s national side.