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Mike Tolkin’s tenure as Head Coach of Rugby United New York is over. After just one season at the helm of the Major League Rugby side, the former Eagles coach has confirmed that he will not be returning in 2020. With his assistant Kees Lensing already moved to Seattle, RUNY will have a new-look coaching staff for the upcoming season.
Tolkin is not alone in finding his services not required at the end of last season. Justin Fitzpatrick was gone from Houston before the campaign completed, and since then Seattle, Glendale, and Utah have bid adieu to their coaches with Austin also set to start anew. When the 2020 season kicks off only three teams – San Diego, Toronto, and NOLA – will have retained their Head Coach from 2019.
Despite seeing his team qualify for the Semi Finals in their first season of MLR, multiple sources close to the situation have confirmed that some leading players on the franchise did not see eye-to-eye with Tolkin’s selections and strategy. He was also reportedly at odds with owner James Kennedy, ultimately leading to his departure.
It remains to be seen who will take over the lead role for the 2020 season. RUNY have already hired a new Team Manager, Skills Coach, and Academy Director in Simon Gillespie. The Irishman has been heavily involved with New York GAA for the past decade.
