Johannesburg - Frans Ludeke, who led the Blue Bulls to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2009 and 2010, is in line to be the new assistant coach of the tournament's new Japanese franchise, the Sunwolves.
Fiji coach John McKee is emerging as the favourite to coach the Japanese national team and the Sunwolves.
Reports from Australia suggest that McKee is on Japan's short list of candidates and although the final decision is yet to be made he has a strong chance of landing the position.
The Fijians are part of the Rugby World Cup's Pool of Death and are set to finish fourth in the Pool but could have performed better had they been placed in a different pool.
McKee led his team to the Pacific Nations Cup title earlier this year by beating Tonga 30-22, Japan 27-22 and drawing with Samoa. In the final Fiji beat Samoa 39-29.
Ludeke's name has been in Japanese newspapers such as The Jet which has been full of praise for the coaching team headed by McKee and Ludeke. Others on the staff include Tabai Matson, Mosese Rauluni and Allan Muir. In an editorial, the Fiji Sun Online said: “... came as no surprise to Wallabies scrum doctor Mario Ledesma, who puts the transformation down to the South African coaching influence of Frans Ludeke.” - ANA