USA Rugby have appointed New York native and former assistant coach Mike Tolkin as the new head coach of the Eagles team.
Tolkin has coached in the U.S. at various levels since 1986 and has a solid record as a coach at high school, senior club, and international level.
He led Xavier H.S. in New York to three National Championships, six National Championship games, 17 National Championship semi-finals, and 20 Regional Championships.
In 2000 Tolkin also took the reins of then Division I now Rugby Super League (RSL) team, New York Athletic Club (NYAC). In 12 years, NYAC won three RSL National Championships and made a total of eight post-season appearances, including one in the Division I National Championship in 2001.
The Eagles finished fourth of five teams in their pool at last year's World Cup in New Zealand and will open their 2012 international season away to Canada in June before hosting Georgia and Italy later that month.
"I hope to build on our performance from the World Cup, qualify for the next one, and to mix in our new and upcoming players," said Tolkin.
USA Rugby chief executive Nigel Melville added that Tolkin was worthy of his promotion.
"He has worked internationally and domestically as a head coach and understands well the challenges American players face. I know Mike is looking forward to continuing the work started by Eddie," he said.
Comments
5Lock4ward says...
@kawasakifreak, The IRB cancelled the Churchill Cup b/c it plans to get the USA and Canada touring and being toured by the same top 15 sides you mentioned. So fear not my friend the big boys are coming to a town near you and me! Italy, Georgia and Canada will all be playing the Eagles in the USA this season and it can only improve from there.
Posted 12:46 26th February 2012
Kawasakifreak says...
I hope this new appointment maintains some degree of mgt continuity for the Eagles.
Unfortunately, I fear that without more regular test matches against the world's top 15 sides - development of USA Rugby may stagnate now the Churchill Cup is no more.
Posted 20:57 23rd February 2012
hayj05 says...
A second string US side did pretty well against the Wallabies too, I know 67 - 5 doesn't look to flash but they made it a contest for a lot of that game & just got blown out in the last 20 mins.
Posted 00:39 19th February 2012
5Lock4ward says...
Glad they got an American coach; they need somebody who wants to be there and not just using the position as a way to tread water while waiting for a better option.
Posted 01:22 18th February 2012
stumpy says...
US had a great world cup in my opinion. Really pushed Ireland (22-10) and Italy (27-10) to the end of the game, not to mention their win against Russia. Paul Emerick in particular had an outstanding world cup. But I think alot of this was due to the churchill cup, as it got them yearly fixtures against world class teams. This is why it pleases me to see that they have a home test against Italy.
Posted 11:04 17th February 2012