Kirwan to become coach of Japan

New Zealand great John Kirwan is to take over as coach of Japan.

"He has a clear vision to win at least two games at the 2007 World Cup... and a long-term vision to improve the team," said Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) general manager Osamu Ota.

"He has agreed to live in Japan, he understands Japanese culture and customs and has previously coached an international team."

The 41-year-old former All Black will act as an adviser during next month's World Cup qualifiers in Sri Lanka before formally taking over in January.

Kirwan played 63 times for New Zealand and was in the side which won the 1987 World Cup.

He played for Japanese team NEC for three seasons in the late 1990s before hanging up his boots.

Kirwan then worked as assistant coach of the Auckland Blues before becoming head coach of Italy, leading the team at the 2003 World Cup.

He replaces Jean-Pierre Elissalde, whose Japan contract was terminated when he became general manager of French side Bayonne without consulting JRFU officials.