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Rob Hoadley has stepped down as Head Coach of the San Diego Legion with immediate effect. The 2019 Major League Rugby Coach of the Year has made the decision to ‘spend more time with his growing family’ according to the team’s statement. It’s the first publicly confirmed coaching change in MLR since the 2020 season came to an abrupt end in March.
“I would like to thank owners Ryan Patterson and Darren Gardner for the opportunity to help to build a very special organization. I look forward to watching the Legion’s success on the field in the coming years.
“I would also like to extend a big thank you and good luck to all the players, staff and fans. There have been many memorable moments in the last three seasons, and I know there will be many more ahead for Legion rugby.”
Legion Chairman Darren Gardner thanked Hoadley for his efforts in the release.
“We very much appreciate Rob’s hard work over the last three years as part SD Legion’s leadership group. As an organization, we are very well positioned for the future. Ryan and I personally and professionally wish Rob all the very best in his future rugby endeavors.”
Hoadley has been in charge of the Legion since their inception in the inaugural 2018 MLR season. He led the team to a Semi Final appearance that year and took it one step further in 2019, finishing top of the table and only just losing out to Seattle in the Championship Final. San Diego were undefeated in 2020 making Hoadley’s overall record in charge 23 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw.
It’s not yet clear if Hoadley will return to rugby following the pandemic shutdown. He began his coaching career with Wasps after a 10-year career as a professional player in the English Premiership. Hoadley was also an assistant with Ricoh in Japan, the San Diego Breakers of PRO, Head Coach at Stanford, and was a backs coach with the US Eagles under John Mitchell.
