Former Hurricanes player Filo Tiatia walks off the field ahead of the Super Rugby Final match between the Hurricanes and the Highlanders at Westpac Stadium on July 4, 2015 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Former All Black Filo Tiatia will take over from countryman Mark Hammett as head coach of Japan’s Sunwolves Super Rugby side, league officials said.

The 45-year-old, who acted as assistant to Hammett in the Tokyo franchise’s inaugural season, is set to ink a two-year deal, according to Japanese Super Rugby.

Tiatia, who has also played and coached at Japan Top League side Toyota Verblitz, is expected to be formally unveiled by the Sunwolves later this week.

Hammett, who has endured a troubled first season with the Sunwolves, will return to New Zealand at the end of the season to take up a role as assistant coach of the Highlanders.