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Justin Fitzpatrick is no longer Head Coach of the Houston SaberCats. The club confirmed the news on their website on Thursday afternoon. Skills coach and former US Eagle Paul Emerick will take over the role in an interim capacity until the end of the season as the search for a permanent replacement begins.
It’s the first mid-season coaching change in Major League Rugby. The only previous changes were in Seattle, where Phil Mack was appointed as player-coach in 2018 in place of Tony Healy, and Richie Walker as a last-minute replacement for Anton Moolman. Both Healy and Moolman were denied work visas.
Fitzpatrick joined the organization in April 2017, when the team was using the ‘Houston Strikers’ moniker. The former Ireland international arrived from the Seattle Saracens and has been at the helm since. Houston are currently in 8th spot at 2-9, and their overall regular season MLR record under Fitzpatrick was just 3 wins from 19 matches.
A statement released by the SaberCats read:
“Effective today, the Houston SaberCats announce the resignation of Justin Fitzpatrick, Director of Rugby and Head Coach. Mr. Fitzpatrick, who has been with the organization since its inception in 2017, has agreed to step down to allow the management a clear path for a change in direction.
The management of the SaberCats is determined to provide our supporters and fan base, the best experience we can, ranging from a purpose-built stadium to fielding a truly fierce team in an increasingly competitive league. We feel that a reorganization is needed as we look forward to next season.
Following this change, the organization has already begun a search for a new Director of Rugby for our next season. In the interim, Paul Emerick, currently serving as assistant coach, will take over the role of head coach.”
