Steve Borthwick to take up coaching role with Japan following his retirement with Saracens

Steve Borthwick: Saracens forward set for Japan role

Japan Rugby have confirmed that Steve Borthwick is to take up a coaching role with Japan following his retirement from playing.

The 34-year-old former England captain is to become Japan’s forwards coach when he hangs up his boots after playing for Saracens in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership final against Northampton at Twickenham.

Second-row forward Borthwick has helped Japan in the last two years in an ad-hoc capacity, but he will now formally link up with former Saracens director of rugby Eddie Jones, who has been Japan's head coach since 2012.

Japan qualified for next year’s World Cup on Sunday by thrashing Hong Kong 49-8 in Tokyo, a victory which also handed them a seventh Asian Five Nations title.

"Being a former captain of England, Steve has a good character and has great trust from the players," a Japan Rugby spokesman said.

"On the road to the World Cup, forwards will be the key to a successful campaign and we believe Steve as a forward coach will play a vital role."

Japan, who have appeared in every World Cup to date, will join South Africa, Samoa, Scotland and the United States in Pool B of the 20-team tournament next year.