Australian Sevens coach Michael O’Connor has announced that he will step down from his position at the end of the season.
O’Connor cited family reasons for his decision as the travelling commitments associated with the job meant he was often away from his family.
“With the Sevens program recently moving to a full-time base in Sydney, and with the international travel to tournaments, it simply meant too much time away from home.”
“I believe that this young Australian squad will be a definite medal chance and now that they live and train in the same place, they will continue to improve and find ways to win.”
O’Connor will remain heavily involved in the Sevens program in Queensland. He will work with development athletes and coach the National Youth Programs.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver thanked O’Connor for his hard work since becoming the Sevens coach in 2008.
“He has provided strong leadership and stability since 2008 and has overseen an era of incredible change for Rugby Sevens including the move to professionalism. We’re delighted that Michael will continue to stay involved in our Sevens programs and we will use the months ahead to ensure there is a smooth transition to his successor.”
O’Connor has coached the team since 2008 and has overseen a rapid period of growth.
Michael O’Connor’s Biography
· Michael was born in February, 1960 in Nowra, New South Wales
· He was appointed the Qantas Men’s Sevens Head Coach in September 2008
· Michael is a former dual international, having played 13 times for the Wallabies
· Michael’s final Test for the Wallabies was in July 1982 against Scotland
· Before taking up the role of Head Coach of the Qantas Men’s Sevens team, Michael held several roles within the Australian Rugby Union, including the Talent Identification Coordinator and as a Wallaby Selector.
· Michael coached the Men’s team to silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi
· Michael O’Connor record as Head Coach of the Qantas Men’s Sevens side: 2008-09 – Finished eighth; 2009-10 – Finished third; 2010-11 – Finished sixth; 2011/12 – Finished sixth; 2012-13 – Finished eighth
