He served eight years as Hansen’s assistant and beat Scott Robertson to the position

Rassie Erasmus named coach of the year with Jamie Heaslip receiving merit award

Steve Hansen fronts up and offers no excuses after crushing semi-final defeat to England

Outgoing coach has left a blueprint behind, Jamie Joseph will have plenty of options

Brave Blossoms wilt against South Africa as they set up a semi-final meeting with Wales

Rugby World Cup: Brave Blossoms have brought game to new levels in host country

Ryohei Yamanaka replaces William Tupou at fullback for South Africa quarter-final

Decision to go ahead despite typhoon vindicated by uplifting performance from hosts

South Africa coach impressed with hosts’ improvement through Rugby World Cup

Hosts send an intoxicating air through rugby’s old order as they dump out Scotland

Ireland will now play world champions New Zealand in the last eight next Saturday

The Japanese public has taken to devouring rugby stories as it gets to know its heroes

Ireland accentuate the positive after 35-0 victory over Russia on a rainy night in Kobe

Joe Schmidt’s side look to get their tournament back on track against Bears in Kobe

Unlike four years ago, favourable schedule in the pool will now suit the Brave Blossoms

Luke Thompson. Michael Leitch and Shota Horie all put in huge performances in Shizuoka

Host nation take full advantage as Ireland let standards drop in Shizuoka

Ireland outhalf takes the positives from Japan defeat ahead of return against Russia

Tale of three outhalves quickly becoming Schmidt’s downward spiralling swansong

Jamie Joseph: ‘We’ve been preparing for this game for a hell of a lot longer than what the Irish have’