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The US Eagles Women’s 7s program has had their Olympic preparations disrupted by a coaching change for the second time this season. Jules McCoy has been unceremoniously removed as Head Coach and replaced by Richie Walker. The news comes as a surprise not only given the timing but also given that McCoy had only been appointed to the position – for a second time – in September, following the decision not to offer Ric Suggitt a new contract.
Walker, ironically, had been Suggitt’s chief assistant for three years prior to his departure. He was not part of McCoy’s coaching staff, most recently coaching the Southern California Griffins elite girls program. He has also traveled extensively throughout the country as part of the Seattle-based ATAVUS Academy camps and has regularly been involved with various national development sides.
USA Rugby Director of Rugby Alex Magleby did not give reasons for McCoy’s dismissal but said that Walker was the best candidate under the circumstances.
“Richie is an obvious choice to move the team towards the goals laid out for Rio. We need minimal disruptions moving forward, and Richie and the team have been a capable combination previously, both via development tours and formerly overseeing the skill improvements in the player pool at the Olympic Training Center.”
While no official confirmation has been given, suggestions from other media sources are that McCoy had fallen out in some way with senior players on the team, a charge also laid against Suggitt. Walker now takes the reins through to the Olympics and will look to patch up a fractured program in record time with the Atlanta 7s just a week away.
