Gold bolsters Brave Blossoms coaching team
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.
🇯🇵 Ex-USA head coach Gary Gold has officially joined Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms coaching team
South Africa’s Gold, 58, has been named as an assistant coach for Japan’s pre-PNC training camp #rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/DwaQiUIHlg
— 🇯🇵 RugbyJP.com (@rugbyjpcom) August 12, 2025
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.
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