USA Rugby: Highly-rated Sevens guru takes ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to replace Mike Friday ahead of home Olympic Games

Former England coach and Sevens legend Simon Amor has been appointed as the new head coach of the USA men’s Sevens program, succeeding the outgoing Mike Friday.

It is a new era for the men’s team following the departure of Friday, who held the role for 10 years in what was a largely successful period for the side.

USA have opted to replace him with another Englishman as former Sevens star Amor comes in, with a home Olympic Games in 2028 an exciting goal to build towards.

Honoured to take over

“I am extremely honoured to lead the Men’s Eagles Sevens program and build on the last 10 years of work from Mike Friday and Phil Greening,” he told USA Rugby.

“With a home Olympics, as well as home Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups all on the horizon, this is an incredibly exciting time to make a transformational impact on the game of rugby in the USA.

“I am looking forward to relocating to San Diego to support the players and staff in getting better every day. I am equally as motivated to engage with the USA Rugby community, to help capitalise on this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Since retiring from playing, Amor has coached London Scottish, England Sevens and Great Britain Sevens, Hong Kong and Japan Sevens. He also had a brief stint in the England XVs coaching set-up during the Eddie Jones era in 2020.

The 45-year-old will be looking to hit the ground running in the upcoming World Rugby SVNS Series, which kicks off in November in Dubai, with Amor keen to impress.

“Inspired by the Women’s Eagles Sevens team in Paris, our ultimate goal is to medal at LA2028 with our first step targeting the top eight of an incredibly competitive HSBC World SVNS Series this year,” he said.

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“With only a few weeks until Dubai, alongside the retirement of some great players who have been the backbone of the team for many years, we know the challenge is high. However, having seen the players in the pathway, so undoubtedly is our potential.

“Our first-year focus will therefore be about learning and establishing 100% commitment, which will lay the foundations for us to build on our journey to LA2028.”

USA Rugby General Manager of High Performance, Tamara Sheppard, was thrilled by the appointment of Amor and is excited to see how Amor leads the team.

“We are delighted to welcome Simon as the next head coach of our Men’s Sevens program,” she said.

“USA Rugby is venturing into an all-important period with the 2028 Olympics on home soil, so we couldn’t be prouder to have Simon’s leadership and experience at the forefront of this journey.

Perfect fit

“After an extensive candidate evaluation process, Simon’s proficiency in player development and pedigree for Olympic success was perfect for our young and exciting Men’s Sevens program.”

USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren, added: “First and foremost I want to extend a warm welcome to Simon on behalf of USA Rugby. We are excited to enter a new era with his experience and tutelage at the helm of our Men’s Sevens program.

“Our aspirations for growing rugby sevens are bright leading into LA2028, Simon has exactly the merit and dedication we’re in search of to reach those goals.”

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