Griffin, Walker Joined by Sullivan, Durutalo as PR7s All-Star Coaches
Griffin, Walker Joined by Sullivan, Durutalo as PR7s All-Star Coaches
The coaches for the PR7s All-Star teams have been named in time for the November 17 PR7s All-Star Tournament in Portland, Ore.
Tickets for the All-Star Tournament are on sale here>>
For the women’s team, Kelly Griffin and Sammy Sullivan will run the squad. Griffin captained the USA during their first Olympic foray in 2016, and has since moved on to be Head Coach at UCSB.
The former USA captain also has coached in PR7s, leading the Loonies to the inaugural women’s title in 2021 in Memphis.
A smart playmaker and focused rugby mind, Griffin’s coaching approach is not dissimilar to that of USA Head Coach Emilie Bydwell.
Griffin will be assisted by Sullivan. A captain in the US Army and part of the Bronze Medal-winning USA team in Paris, Sullivan is taking a break from playing to recover from injury. This has freed her up to work more closely with PR7s All-Stars and flex her coaching muscles.
Sullivan was also the 2019 Prusmack Award winner as the top women’s collegiate 7s player, earning the award as a standout for West Point.
Richie Walker will coach the PR7s All-Star men’s team. Walker has coached the USA women’s 7s team and also coached the San Diego Legion. A 7s expert with a long history in the game, he is the head of scouting for PR7s.
Tickets for the All-Star Tournament are on sale here>>
His experience, including from the 2016 Olympics, and calm demeanor will serve the PR7s All-Stars well as they assemble for Portland.
Assisting Walker is former USA 7s and 15s international Andrew Durutalo. The multi-lingual Durutalo is an ideal addition for bringing in players from all over—players such as the electric Alasio Naduva—and getting them on the same page.