Former Rebels boss Damien Hill to coach Ricoh Black Rams in Japan

DAMIEN Hill has been appointed head coach of the Ricoh Black Rams in Japanese rugby’s Top League.

Super Rugby Round 20: Rebels v Highlanders at AAMI Park , Melbourne 12th July 2013, Outgoing coach Damien Hill during the wa...

DAMIEN Hill has been appointed head coach of the Ricoh Black Rams in Japanese rugby’s Top League.

The former Melbourne Rebels coach takes over from New Zealander Leon Holden.

Hill has previously mentored in Japan as coaching co-ordinator and backs coach with Suntory.

Replaced as Rebels’ boss at the end of the 2013 Super Rugby season by Tony McGahan, Hill has impressive and extensive credentials.

A NSW representative in Australian football, rugby league and soccer, Hill has forged a rugby career with stints at the Brumbies, Suntory, Sydney University (three consecutive premierships) before spending three years at the Rebels.

In his final season at Melbourne, Hill oversaw a 12th-place finish which included a 5-11 record — the best in the club’s short history — with wins over Stormers, Highlanders, Waratahs and Western Force (twice).

Current Melbourne player Tamati Ellison plays for the Ricoh Black Rams, while fellow Rebels Shota Horie and Male Sa’u also compete in the Top League.

Former Rebels Gareth Delve and Cooper Vuna also have played in the Top League.

Ricoh finished 11th last season and is desperate to return to its glory days.