LONDON: Former England rugby captain Steve Borthwick will take up a coaching role with Japan after hanging up his playing boots with Saracens next weekend.
The lock-forward will become Japan’s forwards coach, as the Cherry Blossoms prepare for next year’s World Cup in England.
“Being a former captain of England, Steve has a good character and has great trust from the players,” a Japan Rugby spokesman said.
“On the road to the World Cup, forwards will be the key to a successful campaign and we believe Steve as a forward coach will play a vital role,” the spokesman added.
Japan on Sunday qualified for the 2015 rugby World Cup by thrashing Hong Kong 49-8 in Tokyo. The victory handed them a seventh Asian Five Nations title.
Japan will have appeared in every World Cup to date and they will join South Africa, Samoa, Scotland and the United States in Pool B of the 20-team tournament.
Japan say they will look to Borthwick to hone their lineout skills. AFP
