In an interesting and intriguing move by USA Rugby’s governing body, the position of USA Eagles Head Coach is being advertised for open applications.
The press release on the USA Rugby site states:
USA Rugby is seeking applicants for the position of Men’s Eagles Senior National Team Head Coach. Following the expiration of former Head Coach Mike Tolkin’s contract, a comprehensive review of the Eagles program and 2015 Rugby World Cup performance has led to the national governing body of rugby in the United States opening the application process on a global level.
“We reviewed the program in great detail following the Rugby World Cup in England last month and concluded that we should invite interested coaches to apply for the role and widen the search further than the current Eagles coaching team,” said Nigel Melville, CEO USA Rugby.
Interested parties may submit their applications directly to USA Rugby via the listing found here. A panel consisting of USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville, Performance Director Alex Magleby and former USA Eagle Dan Payne will review the prospective applicants and make a recommendation to the USA Rugby Board.
All applications will be considered, including that of Mike Tolkin should he choose to reapply for position of Head Coach. The selected applicant will feature a strong background as a rugby coach, a history of player development and will display exceptional leadership skills.
USA Rugby expects to make a decision on the selection of their new Men’s Eagles Head Coach in December, 2015.
This may or may not suggest a parting of the ways with Mike Tolkin, with some media agencies suggesting Tolkin may not re-apply for his current position. It must be acknowledged that Tolkin has provided very solid results in his tenure as head coach, despite off field issues with former captain Todd Clever. This does also prompt the question, if the Eagles are to go under new management as it were, would Clever be invited to return?
Suffice to say, with the announcement this morning from Pro Rugby North America, and this new announcement from USA Rugby, the sport is set to enter some very interesting changes in the Americas. Looking at the growth in skill and ability from the Argentinian team, with their inclusion in the SANZAR Rugby Championship and next seasons Super Rugby programme, if North American rugby can follow a similar upward skills trend, the Rugby World Cup 2019 may end up being a very different landscape.
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