Tiatia named Sunwolves coach

Sunwolves have confirmed that Filo Tiatia has been appointed as the team’s head coach for two Super Rugby seasons.

“We are very pleased for having Filo Tiatia as a Head Coach of HITO-Communcations Sunwolves for the next season,” said Representative Director of Japan SR Association Yoshitaka Tashiro.

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

Tiatia was former head coach Mark Hammett’s assistant coach in charge of the forwards in their debut season.

The twice capped former All Black has played and coached Toyota-Verblitz between 2002-2006 during which time he played 57 matches for the side.

He was also an assistant coach with the Ospreys (who he also played for) and the Japan national side and has built a good reputation for his coaching skills and development of players in wide age grade.