Former Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold has been officially appointed to Japan’s national coaching staff, where he will work alongside head coach Eddie Jones.
The move has been touted for several months now, but according to RugbyJP.com on X, it’s now been made official.
The 58-year-old replaces David Kidwell as Japan assistant coach, who left the role after spending the latter half of the season with Leicester Tigers. According to the website, Gold will help prepare the Brave Blossoms for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, which kicks off on 23 August.
Gold’s appointment sees him work with Jones, who served as Jake White’s advisor when the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2007.
Japan’s squad will assemble for a pre-tournament training camp ahead of facing Canada, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA in what promises to be a fiercely competitive series.
Beyond regional bragging rights, the Pacific Nations Cup carries major significance in the global qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2027. With Fiji and Japan already qualified, the top three remaining teams will secure their place at the tournament in Australia.
Gold, who previously coached the USA Eagles and had stints in charge of Bath, Worcester Warriors, and the Sharks, brings a wealth of international and club experience to Jones’ set-up.
After his stint with the Boks, Proudfoot joined the England national team under Eddie Jones, where he remained until the 2023 Rugby World Cup cycle. His experience coaching two top-tier international teams has made him one of the most sought-after forwards coaches in the game.
Now, in his new role in Japan, Proudfoot will look to bring his deep tactical knowledge and physical edge to the Kyoto Wild Knights, a team already known for its competitive edge in the Japanese league. With rugby in Asia continuing to grow, Proudfoot’s appointment is also a signal of the league’s ambitions to attract world-class talent both on and off the field.
