Englishman Damian McGrath has been appointed the new Head Coach of the Manu Samoa Sevens.
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His appointment was announced by the Samoa Rugby Union yesterday.
English-born McGrath comes to Samoa from the England 7s programme after re-joining from the Welsh Rugby Union.
He played a lead role with the coaching team that saw England achieve success between 2001 and 2006.
He also coached the Great Britain University Men’s 7s team to Gold at the recent World Student Games in Brazil.
Samoa Rugby Union (SRU) Chief Executive Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai welcomed McGrath’s appointment as an opportunity for some much-needed invigoration of the Manu Samoa Sevens programme.
“Damian’s appointment – made after he was selected by a panel, and endorsed by the SRU Board – comes after an extensive search for the right person to take Samoa Sevens,” said Faleomavaega.
“We had a total 29 applicants from all around the world and from there the list was narrowed to just eight, before three were interviewed.
“It is clear that Damian’s extensive experience, both as a leader, a coach and innovative thinker of the game, will be a huge asset to Samoa.
“We are looking forward to Damian being part of our team, and we look forward to him helping Samoa to regain a place on the international stage that we know we are capable of achieving.
“Damian takes up his two year appointment in Samoa in September and we know that the people of Samoa will make him feel welcome and support him to get the job done.”
McGrath said: “I am very honored to be selected to be part of the future of Samoan Rugby. I know that great challenges lay ahead, but I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with the high quality players that Samoa produces.”
McGrath will move to Samoa in September and will be joined later by his wife.
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