Hammett linked to Sunwolves Super Rugby job

Former Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has been linked to the new Japanese Super Rugby side the Sunwolves as their coach.

The Sunwolves will join Super Rugby as the 18th and Asian team from February with a team from Argentina (Los Jaguares) and a sixth South African side the Southern Kings.

When the Sunwolves were awarded the franchise Eddie Jones was to be the Director of Rugby but he left his position to become Stormers and then England head coach.

Jones’ departure left the Sunwolves without a coach and although Fiji coach John McKee was linked to the position it is understood that he turned the offer down.

Media in Japan are now linking the former All Black hooker and Hurricanes coach to the vacant Japanese Super Rugby coaching position.

Hammett has no shortage of experience in Super Rugby as he was Crusaders assistant coach and then became Hurricanes head coach in 2011-14.

Earlier this year Hammett left his coaching position with Welsh Club Cardiff Blues and returned to New Zealand.

More recently Hammett was named an assistant coach to Leon MacDonald at the Tasman Makos for next year’s national provincial championship.

Tasman Rugby chief executive Tony Lewis told Radio Sport that as far as the Makos know Hammett is staying in New Zealand and that he is committed to a two-year deal with them.

Former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has also been linked to the sunwolves role.

The Sunwolves will kick off their Super Rugby campaign against the Lions from South Africa in Tokyo on the 27th of February.