Australian men’s national team coach John Manenti has called time on the sevens program, but Tim Walsh is expected to stay on as the women look to rebound from their shock Olympics collapse.
Part of three Olympic campaigns steering the men’s team to their best-ever result with a fourth place in Paris, Manenti is taking up another coaching opportunity overseas as he plots a return to 15-a-side rugby.
It comes after men’s sevens skipper Nick Malouf confirmed his retirement last week following his third Games in Paris after 61 world series tournaments.
Manenti had been part of the sevens program since 2015, starting as an assistant coach before moving into the top jobs for both the men and women’s teams, with the former winning the 2021-2022 world rugby sevens series.
“I’ve had nine wonderful years in the sevens program with both men’s and women’s teams,” Manenti said in statement.
“What we’ve achieved together in the past three years has been incredible and I feel we’ve been part of the most successful era in Aussie men’s sevens.
“I’m extremely proud of the players and staff for our achievements.
“For me it’s time now to return to 15s and continue my growth as a coach, with the ambition to contribute to Super Rugby at some stage.”
Walsh was involved in an extensive post-Olympics review following the women’s team capitulation.
The world champion side entered the Games as gold medal favourites and appeared to be living up to their top-billing after their unbeaten run through the pool rounds.
But their medal dreams were shattered in the space of three hours at Stade de France when they were surprise 21-12 semi-final losers to Canada despite leading 12-0 late in the first half.
In the bronze medal match they suffered a last-gasp defeat to the USA, going down 14-12, which meant they left Paris empty handed.
Source Agencies
