Hurricanes assistant coach John Plumtree will take up a role as a defence coach with the Japanese Brave Blossoms national side later this month, as they prepare to face Australia and France.
Plumtree, 52, is a key member of the Hurricanes coaching staff, working as an assistant to head coach Chris Boyd for the last three seasons, joining Japan on a short term basis with the approval of both New Zealand Rugby and his Super Rugby employers.
"I see my coaching future as being firmly with the Hurricanes, but I jumped at the chance when Japan approached me about the prospect of coaching at international level," Plumtree said in a statement.
"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."
Plumtree has had a taste of international rugby before, working as a forwards coach with Ireland before joining the Hurricanes in 2015.
Plumtree's first match with the Brave Blossoms will be against a World XV in Fukuoka on October 28.
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