Former New Zealand player Nathan Mauger will be joining Japan’s Vodacom Super Rugby side, the Sunwolves, as their backs coach.

Mauger joins former All Black Filo Tiatia, who is set to act as the forwards coach in an all-New Zealand coaching set-up, with Mark Hammett having been appointed as the head coach.

Mauger, who has been the backs and attack coach for the Canterbury U19s, will now move to Japan.

‘This is an exciting stepping stone for me in my coaching career,’ Mauger said. ‘I think the expansion of the competition starting next month will be good for the new teams and countries. I look forward to being part of the build [up] towards the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.’

The Sunwolves are set to kick off their Super Rugby campaign against the Lions on 27 February.

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