JRFU Appoint Phil Greening As New Japan Men’s Sevens Head Coach

The news that the JRFU has appointed former England international and USA Rugby coach Phil Greening means that both the national Japanese 7s sides will have new head coaches this season.

It had already been announced that new Sakura 7s coach Yuka Kanematsu had been appointed, and now Phil Greening will step into his role on September 1st as Head Coach of Japan Men’s Sevens side – taking over from fellow countryman Simon Amor who has been at the helm the past couple of seasons.

Greening had spent a decade at USA Rugby and only announced in August 2024 that he was leaving his role there. USA Men’s 7s Head Coach Mike Friday also left his post following the Paris 2024 Olympics. Greening was assistant to Friday at the Paris 2024 Olympics and held a variety of roles with USA Rugby in 7s and 15s.

Phil Greening said via JRFU of his appointment, “I’m excited and honoured to be heading up the Japan Men’s Sevens program. We will develop the program in all areas, from athletic and skills development to high performance, and create A pathway for Japan’s exciting young players.

My aim is to create and deepen the player pathways by building relationships with the clubs and universities to have a player centered approach to help nurture Japan’s young talent. Japan has a deep tradition and love of rugby, and we should be performing on the highest stage consistently, which is what I want to achieve and be part of.”

The first leg of the ARSS (Asia Rugby Sevens Series) 2024 starts in Incheon from 7-8 September before the second leg in China and the final leg in Bangkok, Thailand. The top two men’s teams should secure a spot in the HSBC World Rugby Challenger Series which would seem the minimum target for the Japanese men.

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Coaching Career – Phil Greening

• 2024 – September – Appointed JRFU Men’s 7s Head Coach
• 2013 – 2024 USA Rugby – Assistant Coach & High-Performance Coordinator, USA Sevens & Assistant Coach USA Fifteens
• 2012 – 2013 Scottish Rugby – Head of Sevens Programme & Fifteens Contact Skills Coach
• 2005 – 2007 England Sevens – Assistant Coach

Rugby Sevens News 2024

• Yuka Kanematsu Appointed Sakura Sevens Head Coach.
• Yohei Shinomiya Announced As New Thailand Women’s Sevens Rugby Coach.
• Fans Guide To HSBC SVNS Series 2024-2025.
• 2025 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens – What You Need To Know.