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McCoy back in USA lead role

USA has reppointed its former sevens head coach and former player Jules McCoy to lead its women's sevens programme into the Rio 2016 Olympics.

She replaces Ric Suggitt who helped the team to qualify for Rio but who departed earlier this week. 

McCoy was the head coach of the sevens team from 2006 to 2009 and under her watch, the USA won the Hong Kong 7s, the Dubai 7s, and USA 7s three times, as well as finishing fourth at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009.

“Coach McCoy has worked extensively with our elite as well as developing athletes. She has coached XVs, sevens, women, men, all-star, academy, club, under-23s, with a proven track record of delivering victories under pressure,” said USA Rugby Director of Performance Alex Magleby.

“More importantly, Jules is a positive role-model for young women, as a former Eagle athlete, practicing physician, coach, and entrepreneur. Her proven leadership will be welcomed by all in the Eagles Sevens family over the coming days as we build a cohesive team towards Rio.”

Following the establishment of several National Development Academies (NDAs) as part of the USA Rugby Olympic Development Academy Programme, McCoy helped found American Rugby Pro Training Centre. Based in Little Rock, the first women’s-specific NDA has already served as a launching point for several Eagles capped in the 15s game.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to share my growth as a coach and a human being with the team,” McCoy said. “Rugby in America has come along in leaps and bounds since 2009 and I’ve seen it from top to bottom.”

“As a group we will need a brief reset time. Our goal will then be to pivot towards team focus on a medal and honing the tools we will need to accomplish that task.”