Heartbreak ends era as Aussie sevens coach resigns

Rugby Australia is on the hunt for a new men’s sevens coach after John Manenti resigned in the wake of the Paris Olympics.
Manenti coached Australia to fourth in Paris after a heartbreaking loss to South Africa in the bronze medal match.
Manenti had been on RA’s books as a sevens coach since 2015 – with both the men’s and women’s programs – and was involved in three Olympic campaigns.
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John Manenti during an Australia training session. Getty
He will now take up a coaching opportunity in the United States with the San Diego Legion.
“I’ve had nine wonderful years in the sevens program,” Manenti said.
“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.
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Australian sevens coach John Manenti speaks to the media in 2018. Getty
“We’ve won a World Series, gold medals in Hong Kong and London, finished on multiple podiums, achieved automatic Olympic qualification and enjoyed best ever Olympic results. 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.
“The sevens program is well set up to go on to bigger and better results and I look forward to following the progression.”
Peter Horne, RA’s director of high of performance, paid tribute to Manenti.
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“John has done a tremendous job with the sevens teams, particularly when he took over the men’s program, and we’d like to thank him for his efforts,” Horne said.
“The 2021-2022 World Series victory for the men’s side was a major highlight.”
Manenti’s departure marks the end of an era for the Aussie men after captain Nick Malouf retired earlier this month.
He has replaced New Zealander Danny Lee as Legion coach and inherits a star-studded roster that includes Test legends Matt Giteau and Ma’a Nonu.
The squad is stacked with Australian talent including three sons of guns in Alex Horan, Finn Kearns and Christian Poidevin.
“Throughout the head coach recruitment process, John consistently stood out from an exceptionally talented field of candidates,” Legion owner Ryan Patterson said.
John Manenti at Rugby Australia. Getty
“His strategic vision for rugby, coupled with his demonstrated ability to elevate teams and foster winning cultures, left us deeply impressed.
“We are thrilled to welcome a coach of his calibre to San Diego Legion, confident in his expertise and dedication to lead our team to new successes.”
The Legion finished fourth in the 2024 Major League Rugby regular season but were beaten 30-28 by the Seattle Seawolves in the quarter-finals.