Jamie Joseph takes over as Sunwolves coach for 2018 Super Rugby season

Confirmed as the new head coach for the Japanese national rugby team last year, former Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph will take on the same role with Super Rugby's Sunwolves next season.

Joseph, who led the Highlanders to the Super Rugby title in 2015, confirmed he would be leaving New Zealand at the end of the 2016 season in January last year.

And after a year away from the competition, the 47-year-old is back for more with the Japanese franchise. 

"As the new Head Coach I understand the responsibility of coaching at this level. I can't wait for next season. We have a huge challenge ahead of us but I've been here before with the Highlanders," Joseph said in a statement.

The statement, released by the club on Friday, revealed Joseph would replace fellow Kiwi Filo Tiatia at the helm as with the Japanese franchise looked to improve in what should be a tougher competition next season.

Sunwolves chief executive Yuji Watase said under Tiatia's leadership the Sunwolves established their style of play and place in one of the toughest competitions in the world.

"We are grateful for his wonderful contribution to the Sunwolves acknowledging that establishing a team in a competition as tough as Super Rugby has come with some challenges. We would like to wish Filo and his family all the very best with his future coaching roles."  

The news came as part of a reform of the Sunwolves and Japanese Rugby Football Union. The reform has seen responsibility for the Sunwolves operations move from the JRFU to the entity known as Japan Super Rugby Association. SANZAAR will be also taking a more proactive role within its operating structures.