Kirwan considers Japan exit
ByJapanese head coach John Kirwan has admitted that he is considering his options after his side drew 23-23 with Canada in their final game at the World Cup.
The Cherry Blossom’s endured another disheartening tournament, failing to win a game and suffering heavy defeats against France and New Zealand before throwing away victory in their final game of the tournament.
That draw means Japan’s record at the World Cup reads one win, two draws and 22 defeats since 1987, while Kirwan is yet to taste victory at the tournament since taking over in the months leading up to the 2007 competition.
The former All Black appeared downcast after the draw with Canada last week, admitting he felt “flat” after failing to end their twenty year search for a World Cup win and that he could leave his role when his contract expires in December.
“I’m off-contract. I’m going to take a few weeks off and look at some options, probably wait until the end of the World Cup,” Kirwan said.
“I love international football, it really excites me. It’s fantastic, I love being here, I love being at World Cups and love the international stage. I’ve got to wait until I get an offer.
“It’s been an exciting and great four years with the Japanese team. There is still a lot of work to do over there.
“Clubs in Europe, coming home to New Zealand, or staying with Japan, they’re all options.”
He added: “I’m disappointed not to get up and win today. It would’ve been our first win in 20 years. We had goals that we wanted to beat Tonga and Canada, so that’s disappointing.”
Kirwan’s comments came after Ander Monro helped haul Canada back into the game when the victory appeared to belong to Japan. The fly-half crossed the line to move his side within touching distance before landing the last-gasp penalty that brought the scores level.
There is a risk Kirwan could be pushed before he jumps after Tatsuzo Yabe, the chairman of the Japan Rugby Football Union confirmed they were assessing their options for the future, saying the performances of those in Japanese 2011 World Cup Jerseys exposed them as “far from World Class”.
“Step by step, we had thought Japanese rugby had improved over the last four years,” Yabe said.
“However, we found out first-hand that we are far from world class.
“But the future of Japanese rugby lies ahead of us. As soon as we return home, we will begin our rebuilding plans.
“We have a huge goal of making the 2019 World Cup a success and to reach that goal, Japan must join the top-tier nations at all costs.
“There are a lot of areas we need to improve on, and we have to correct them one by one.”
Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide
Kirwan considers Japan exit
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