Hurricanes coach John Plumtree to assist Japan

Hurricanes assistant coach John Plumtree is set to lend his technical expertise to Japan as the national team’s defence coach for upcoming tests against France and Australia.

Plumtree will join the Brave Blossoms later this month for a three-match programme through October-November and will do so with the blessings of the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby.

“I see my coaching future as being firmly with the Hurricanes, but I jumped at the chance when Japan approached me about the prospect of coaching at international level,” Plumtree said.

“It’s a great opportunity to be exposed to a new culture and new ways of coaching. Japan has a strong coaching team with Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown and working alongside them will only add to the knowledge and experience I can add to the Hurricanes going forward.”