Japan no closer to Eddie Jones replacement

Japan may have to wait until next year to name a replacement for former coach Eddie Jones to take them into their campaign to host the 2019 World Cup, their federation chief said on Tuesday.

Jones, who masterminded the biggest upset in World Cup history when Japan beat South Africa 34-32 and narrowly missed out on the World Cup quarter finals, is leaving in days to take over Super Rugby franchise Stormers in South Africa.

Japan Rugby Football Union chairman Noriyuku Sakamoto said the 'Brave Blossoms' had not wanted the 55-year-old Australian to leave.

"We had a discussion and found that he had already made a decision, so we respect his decision," Sakamoto told AFP on the sidelines of a ceremony to unveil the rising sun logo for the 2019 World Cup.

"We are looking at the selection of a new coach," he added.

"We would like to announce it before the end of this year but we don't know if we will be able to. That is our hope."

When asked whether Japan was looking to hire another foreign coach he again said no decision had been made. "Watch this space."

World Rugby said the Japan World Cup would start on September 20, 2019 and finish on November 2.