Jones, Erasmus, Joseph up for Coach of the Year

Rugby

World Rugby has announced the nominees for the Coach of the Year award, with Japan’s Jamie Joseph joining the four World Cup semifinalists’ coaches in the running for the prize.

New Zealand-born Joseph led the World Cup hosts to their first ever quarterfinal in the competition earlier this month, overseeing a flawless pool stage in which the Brave Blossoms upset Ireland and Scotland.

Meanwhile, England’s Australian coach Eddie Jones and South Africa’s Rassie Erasmus, who have guided their respective teams into Saturday’s World Cup final in Yokohama, both made the list.

They are joined by the coaches of the two teams defeated in last week’s semifinals, Warren Gatland — whose Wales side were narrowly beaten by South Africa — and Steve Hansen — whose New Zealand players were put to the sword by England. Kiwi Gatland’s Wales were also Grand Slam winners at this year’s Six Nations.

Erasmus, Hansen and Gatland are all set to step down from their roles once the tournament in Japan is over, with the All Blacks taking on Wales on Friday in a third-place playoff before Saturday’s final.

World Rugby also announced the nominees for the Team of the Year award as the five nations coached by the Coach of the Year nominees — England, South Africa, Japan, New Zealand and Wales.

The winners of both awards will be revealed on Sunday Nov. 3 at a ceremony in Tokyo.

Last year’s Coach of the Year was Joe Schmidt, who guided Ireland to a Six Nations Grand Slam that saw them claim the Team of the Year prize.

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