Japan SR Association (Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Yoshitaka Tashiro) has come to an agreement with Filo Tiatia on a two seasons contract as the HITO-Communications SUNWOLVES’s new head coach. The final signing-off of the contract with him will be completed within 1-2 days.

【Comment】Filo Tiatia/ New Head Coach

I am very excited to become the Head Coach of HITO-Communications SUNWOLVES from 2017 season and it is honored to take over what Mark Hammet, a great leader and Head Coach built in our first season. Next season is going to be a continuous process from the first season but also we have to face new challenges and improve some areas further. I am looking forward to working with many of the players and staffs I worked with in the 2016 season.

SUNWOLVES is a young franchise and need to get over lots of challenges. To the SUNWOLVES fans, that would be great if we could get your continuous supports as you did in 2016 season. Look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Introduction of Filo Tiatia

Date of Birth : June 4th, 1971 Place of Birth : Wellington, New Zealand

Tiatia has 2 Caps as All Blacks, 99 Caps in Ospreys (Pro12), 57 Caps in Hurricanes(Super Rugby). He also played in Toyota-Verblitz from 2002-2006, and played 57 matches. After his player career, he has successively filled various posts, such as a Head Coach of Toyota-Verblitz,Ospreys, and a Forward Coach of HITO-Communications SUNWOLVES, also joined Japan-National Team (Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2016). He is well versed in Japanese Rugby and culture. Has a good reputation on his coaching skills,that develops players in wide age grade.

【Comment】YoshitakaTashiro/ Representative Director of Japan SR Association

We are very pleased for having Filo Tiatia as a Head Coach of HITO-Communcations SUNWOLVES for the next season. There is no doubt that he has more than enough experiences not only as a player such as playing All Blacks, but also as a coach at the international level for a long time.

We expect that the experience he had the last season as a FW coach in SUNWOLVES will bring a great dynamics to the team in this coming season to strengthen the team further.

We all believe that having Filo Tiatia as a Head Coach of SUNWOLVES will be the successful start for promising second season.

【Comment】Jamie Joseph/ Head Coach of Japan National Rugby Team

It's great having Filo Tiatia join HITO-Communications SUNWOLVES again in Japan. His leadership will be crucial as the SUNWOLVES embark on their 2nd season. His experience with players gives him huge understanding of the challenges that lay ahead and I can't wait to help Filo and the rest of the team develop in 2017.I hope we can get supports from all of the Japan Rugby and SUNWOLVES fans for our new challenge with Filo from the next season.