Scott Lawrence steps down from Rugby ATL post

Rugby ATL have been hit with the sudden resignation of Scott Lawrence as General Manager and Head Coach. The news comes with the 2022 Major League Rugby season just two weeks away, and leaves assistant coaches Blake Bradford and Stephen Brett to lead the team in the interim.

Lawrence is one of the USA’s most successful domestic coaches having led Life University to several national championships and guiding the USA u20 side to a tournament win at the 2012 Junior World Trophy. In his team’s first full season in MLR the Ratlers won the Eastern Conference title.

Although the reasoning for Lawrence’s resignation has not been explained in a social media post, Americas Rugby News understands a disagreement with new ownership has led to his departure. The team was previously owned by the late Marcus Calloway but was sold in 2021. The statement from Lawrence in its entirety can be read below:

“Marcus Calloway’s and Bob Taylor’s dream of Rugby ATL turned into reality in 2019. As luck would have it, they asked me to be the first Head Coach. From the beginning, our team and our business were built on the foundational values of PACE – developing better People and letting rugby take care of itself. Embracing Accountability in our roles to be 10% better every week. Creating Change within our own organization and in the community as we brought the values of the sport to children and fans alike. All of this with a laser focus on the Execution of our plan. The results brought Atlanta a winning sports organization that delivered the 2021 MLR Eastern Conference Championship while producing 80+ walking ambassadors that the fans should be proud to know.

“Through this journey, it has been a great joy to watch the leadership of coaches and players transform from a group of young men trying to get to know themselves into a resilient and sustainable team deeply rooted in acceptance, caring, and working hard for others. I was honored to be a part of the Rugby ATL story, to have developed deep bonds that transcend sport, and to be a part of bringing another rugby championship to the City of Marietta.

“Finally, the love, support, and sacrifice of my wife Kim and children Macy, Jackson, and Owen, leaves me grateful beyond words for the gift of the last three years.”

EDIT: Rugby ATL have now released a statement as seen below:

“Rugby ATL Head Coach and General Manager Scott Lawrence has stepped down from the team, effective immediately. Scott led Rugby ATL to an Eastern Conference Championship in their first season of Major League Rugby competition, and was a driving force in the franchise’s commitment to building a community through sport. Scott built a group of talented coaches and attracted a roster of dynamic and determined players who will carry forward his winning mentality on and off the pitch.

“Rugby ATL thanks Scott for his contributions to the organization and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors. Exciting announcements regarding the next Head Coach and General Manager of Rugby ATL will be made shortly.”