Sir Gordon Tietjens leaves role as New Zealand sevens coach
Tuesday 6 September 2016 14:26, UK
Sir Gordon Tietjens has stepped down as New Zealand's sevens coach after 22 years in the role.
Tietjens is widely regarded as the leading coach in sevens history, having guided the All Blacks to four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, a dozen World Rugby Sevens titles and a pair of Sevens World Championships.
The 60-year-old, who was inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2012, decided not to take up the offer of a new contract and leaves the job on something of a low note after New Zealand failed to make it past the quarter-final stage at the Olympic Games in Rio.
"I love the sevens game and I'm immensely proud of what I've achieved and what all our players have been able to achieve in my time with the team," he said.
"We were all incredibly disappointed with our results in Rio, but we have to acknowledge just how far sevens rugby has come. It's become intensely competitive and the Olympics proved just how tough it is to win at this level these days.
"I'm sure lessons will be learnt and I wish my successor all the best for the Sevens Series ahead and for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
"I've loved my time in sevens and I aim to still be involved in some capacity. I'm now working through what those next steps are.
"I'm grateful to New Zealand Rugby for the support they've given me over the years. I want to especially acknowledge the management team and all the players who have contributed to the success of New Zealand sevens during the last 22 years. I have so many great memories from what's been an amazing time with the team."
