Update: 10:52AM NEW ZEALAND 7s coach Gordon Tietjens opted not to seek renewal of his contract for the coach of the 7s side and has resigned from his position.
A NEW Zealand rugby media release this morning reported: “New Zealand Rugby has paid tribute to legendary sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens following his decision not to seek a new contract after 22 years at the helm of the All Black Sevens team.”
Tietjens had helped New Zealand to win four Commonwealth Games, 12 HSBC World Sevens Series title and two Rugby World Cup title.
The New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said, “Titch has guided the All Blacks Sevens team through more than 100 international tournaments, a remarkable achievement that may never be equalled. The number of former sevens players who’ve gone on to become All Blacks speaks for itself and demonstrates the incredible impact that Titch has had on our game.
“To put the length of his career into context, when he first began in this role rugby was an amateur game, Jim Bolger was Prime Minister and several members of the current All Blacks Sevens team hadn’t even been born.
“New Zealand Rugby and our country owe him a debt of gratitude for the legacy he’s left behind and all the memories and careers he’s shaped along the way.”
Tietjens thanked everyone who had supported and contributed to the success of New Zealand sevens during the last 22 years.
“I love the sevens game and I’m immensely proud of what I’ve achieved and what all our players have been able to achieve in my time with the team,” he said.
Source: allblacks.com