GLENDALE, CO – Following extensive discussions and review with USA Rugby leadership, Scott Lawrence has officially been appointed Head Coach of the USA Men’s Eagles and General Manager of the USA Men’s XVs programs. Hired in an interim status last year ahead of the 2023 assembly and tours, Lawrence now assumes the role officially as the Men’s Eagles look ahead to a rejuvenated schedule and competition. During the past year, Lawrence delivered an all-encompassing approach to the Men’s XVs programs, with new team identity and values objectives alongside realignment with the developing Junior National Teams. Lawrence and staff now look forward to a new era, with immediate objectives including Americas One qualification for Rugby World Cup 2027.
Lawrence said on the official appointment, “There is just an overwhelming sense of gratitude to the 26 professionals across our men’s XVs pathway and senior programs, the FiDO Senior Eagles leadership group, and more than 200 donors who made 2023 a positive step forward toward returning to qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Reflecting on all of their hard work and the support of the USA Rugby community, it truly feels like I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. With the love and support of my wonderful family I couldn’t be more pleased to continue the mission of preparing our national teams in a uniquely American way that represents the values of our country and inspires a new generation of players to do great things in 2031.
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Alongside Brendan Keane and the USA Men’s Pathways, Lawrence led performance and fundraising initiatives to help bring the Men’s U20s program together for an extended assembly that resulted in the teams first qualification for the World Rugby U20s Trophy since 2016. Continuing to build on that core playing group, the USA will target requalification and performance improvements on 2023 results. On the senior national team side, the Lawrence-led Men’s Eagles went 4-2 in match play, culminating in a Vila International Cup victory this past spring. Energy and momentum the team will look to carry into 2024, as the first year of the renewed Pacific Nations Cup kicks off and a series of events at home.
Lawrence continued on immediate focuses, “The immediate priority will be to rally behind the U20s vying for World Rugby Trophy Qualification again this year, while the second is ramping up the level of international competition for our U18s and finally to prepare the senior Men’s Eagles to play on home soil this summer.”
With a resume extending into MLR coaching and general management, Lawrence will continue to serve as a key liaison between the league and national team as Major League Rugby gets set for the 2024 season and continues its own growth.
General Manager of High Performance, Tamara Sheppard said on Lawrence joining officially, “I’d like to congratulate Scott on his permanent appointment, leading the USA Men’s Eagles and pathways. In the short time Scott has taken on the role, he demonstrated an ability to align the key elements of the program that will ultimately shape our long term success. Scott has proudly shown a commitment to build the Men’s Eagles program brick by brick, constructed by a culture of accountability, trust and togetherness with an integrated and aligned program. We as USA Rugby are committed to not taking shortcuts in building the foundation of the Eagles and lead the programs to success in 2027 and at home in 2031.
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Scott has a strong desire to do something big, with a clear vision for the journey ahead. We firmly believe he is the right person to lead the team in 2024 and beyond. What Scott is doing with the national team program embodies what it means to inspire the Rugby world the American way as we build to the next Rugby World Cup.”
