Plumtree lends expertise to Japan

Plumtree will join the Brave Blossoms later this month for a three-match programme through October-November and will do so with the blessings of the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby.

"I see my coaching future as being firm with the Hurricanes, but I jumped at the chance when Japan approached me about the prospect of coaching at international level," Plumtree said.

"It’s a great opportunity to be exposed to a new culture and new ways of coaching. Japan has a strong coaching team with Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown and working alongside them will only add to the knowledge and experience I can add to the Hurricanes going forward,"

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said Plumtree’s involvement with Japan provided a valuable professional development opportunity.

"We are always looking at ways of developing our staff and growing their knowledge and this is another example. I’m sure Plum will benefit from the experience,"

It will not be the first time Plumtree has dipped his toes into international waters having been Ireland’s forwards coach before deciding to return home to New Zealand and join the Hurricanes in 2015.

His first assignment with Japan will be a match against the World XV in Fukuoka on October 28.