GRR: Matt Hawkins
The US Olympic Committee had a hand in the removal of Matt Hawkins as USA 7s team Head Coach.
The move came after an exhaustive post-season examination of both the men’s and women’s teams. Both were put under the microscope by USA Rugby representatives (including CEO Nigel Melville) and the USOC.
So Matt Hawkins lost his job in part because his situation was untenable. He had very few players to start with, and had to develop experience, losing games in the process.
The leadership void on the USA 7s team I think, also exposed a tactical problem with the USA 7s team at present. They relied too much on a player or two knowing what to do, rather than an approach and a system that put them in the right place.
As early as the end of this week we might find out about who is the new USA Men’s 7s Head Coach.
USA Rugby has posted a report that USA Men's 7s Head Coach Matt Hawkins has stepped down.
Hawkins, who was captain of the USA team before being named Head Coach a little over a year ago, is one of the USA's most experienced 7s players.
The South-African-born former water polo player with the nickname The Polar Bear, is the USA's third coach since early 2011.
