Reviving USA Rugby’s Glory: How American Coaches Can Inspire a Nation
USA Rugby has faced challenges in consistently competing on the global stage. As the sport grows domestically, one area that deserves greater attention is the role of American coaches in developing the game. While the USA has often turned to international coaches for guidance, there is a strong case for prioritizing homegrown talent. Here are several reasons why USA Rugby needs American coaches at the helm.
USA Rugby just announced Simon Amor as the New Men’s Sevens Head Coach. After retiring as a player, Amor moved into coaching, with his most notable role being the head coach of the England national rugby sevens team. He took over as head coach in 2013 and led the team through several successful campaigns, including their silver medal-winning performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where rugby sevens made its Olympic debut.
He has also served as an assistant coach for the England 15s team under head coach Eddie Jones, contributing to the team’s tactical development, especially focusing on attack strategies.
Key Achievements:
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As a Player:
- European Challenge Cup winner with Gloucester Rugby.
- Captained the England Sevens team to victories in several World Series tournaments.
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As a Coach:
- Led England to a silver medal in rugby sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
- Helped guide the England 15s team during the 2020 Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup campaigns.
Amor’s legacy in both sevens and 15s rugby is well-regarded, both for his skills as a player and his strategic mind as a coach.
Understanding the American Sports Landscape
American coaches have an innate understanding of the unique sports culture in the U.S., which is crucial for rugby’s development. The U.S. has a rich history in traditional sports like football, basketball, and baseball, but rugby remains relatively niche. An American coach is better equipped to bridge the gap between rugby and the dominant sports culture, understanding the dynamics that influence athlete recruitment, development, and fan engagement.
For example, American coaches are more familiar with the infrastructure of high school and college sports, which could be leveraged to grow rugby at a grassroots level. They understand how to engage athletes who might be transitioning from other sports like football or wrestling and can tailor rugby development programs to fit within the broader U.S. sports ecosystem. This is vital for identifying and nurturing talent.
Building a Sustainable Pipeline of Talent
Rugby in the U.S. is still in a developmental stage compared to established rugby nations like New Zealand or England. Building a sustainable pipeline of talent requires a deep understanding of the local landscape. American coaches, having come through the U.S. rugby system, have a better grasp of the structural needs at various levels—from youth leagues to collegiate programs and professional franchises like Major League Rugby (MLR). They know how to grow the game domestically and can work hand-in-hand with organizations to create more robust pathways for athletes.
American coaches can serve as role models for aspiring players and coaches alike, fostering a culture of rugby that is uniquely American. Having local coaches who can relate to players on a cultural level is crucial for building trust and rapport, which is foundational to team success.
National Pride and Identity
In sports, national pride plays a crucial role in unifying teams and motivating athletes. Coaches with an American background may bring an extra sense of patriotism and emotional investment to the national team. They understand the pride of wearing the USA jersey and can better instill this in their players.
Moreover, American coaches have a personal stake in seeing the sport succeed in their home country. Their careers are deeply tied to the success of USA Rugby, which may drive them to innovate and push boundaries in ways that international coaches might not.
Long-Term Commitment and Stability
Many of the foreign coaches hired by USA Rugby in the past were short-term solutions, often coming from countries with long-established rugby traditions. While these coaches brought valuable expertise, they were often not as invested in the long-term growth of the game in the U.S. The reality is that many international coaches see USA Rugby as a steppingstone to bigger opportunities.
American coaches, on the other hand, are more likely to see USA Rugby as the pinnacle of their careers. This long-term commitment is essential for building a stable, successful program. An American coach is more likely to stay in the role for an extended period, offering continuity and a consistent vision for the team. This stability can foster a stronger team culture and improve performance over time.
Developing a Distinct American Style of Play
Rugby in the U.S. is still in the process of defining its identity. American coaches, drawing on the country’s unique athleticism, can develop a distinct style of play that reflects American sports culture. Whether it’s a more physically dominant approach or a fast-paced, athletic style, a homegrown coach is better suited to tailor a game plan that leverages the strengths of American athletes
The Big Guy’s Final Thoughts
We continually talk about how “American” Coaches (I consider anyone who has been coaching in the US for a long period of time as American, Stephen Lewis, a Scotsman, is a great example of what I mean) need to be coaching the USA National Teams.
This is not a knock on Simon Amor of any kind, his resume speaks for itself.
We have qualified American candidates that would’ve made a good choice and brought success to the team.
David Fee is a former rugby union player who played for the United States national rugby team, Eagles #319. He was a versatile back, often playing as a winger, and earned multiple caps for the U.S. team during his international career. Fee was known for his speed and agility, which made him an asset in open play.
In addition to his national team appearances, Fee was involved in club-level rugby in the United States and played a significant role in the development of the sport domestically. His contributions to rugby in the U.S. helped elevate the profile of the game during a time when it was still growing in popularity across the country.
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As a Player:
- Lake Forest College, 1997-1999, HoF
- USA Sevens 2002-2005
- Captained the 2005 USA Sevens Team
- Member of the 2005 7s World Cup Team
- USA Eagles Fifteens #319, 28 Caps
- Member of the 2003 World Cup Team
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As a Coach:
- Currently USA u18 7s Head Coach since 2020
- USA 7s Pan American Games Team Leader 2023
- USA 7s Pan American Games Team Leader 2019
- USA u18 Youth Olympic Games Asst Coach 2018
- USA u23 7s Staff Since 2022
- Former Head Coach of Indiana University 7s 2018-2023
- Former Head Coach of University of Notre Dame 7s 2013-2017
- Currently Chicago Lions Women’s 7s Head Coach, 2024 Runner-up, 2023 National Champions
- PR7s Asst Coach 2021 & 2023
- Been involved with the USAR Youth Programs since 2009
While international expertise has its place, the future of USA Rugby lies in the hands of American coaches who understand the intricacies of the U.S. sports landscape, possess a deep sense of national pride, and are committed to the long-term growth of the game. By empowering American coaches, USA Rugby can build a sustainable, competitive program that thrives on the global stage.
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