Greening Departs USA Rugby After Decade-Long Stint

The former England hooker follows Mike Friday in leaving the organization

Geering worked as Friday's assistant at the Paris 2024 Olympics and held various positions within USA Rugby for sevens and 15s /

By Priscilla Jepchumba

Former England hooker Phil Greening is the latest coach to leave his long-held position at USA Rugby, joining men’s sevens head coach Mike Friday in seeking a fresh start elsewhere.

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, a former England hooker, has decided to depart from his long-standing role at USA Rugby, following in the footsteps of men's sevens head coach Mike Friday, who is also looking for new opportunities.

In a post on LinkedIn titled 'Thank You America, it’s been one hell of a ride', the 48-year-old Greening expressed his decision: “With a heavy yet proud heart, I’m announcing that after 10 years of working with USA Rugby and USOC (US Olympic Committee), I am pursuing other opportunities and experiences,” said Greening.

“I’ve been fortunate to have coached at 3 Olympics, 2 Pan Am Games, 2 RWC7s, and an ARC,” he added.

“Through the 10 years, it has been a real rollercoaster ride, however the experience, the learnings, the friendships, and the progress we made for rugby in the USA I am very proud and grateful for.

“Over the decade it has been a pleasure to have been involved in all the programs and some of the highlights have been with the men’s XVs winning the first ARC, the women 7s winning bronze in Paris, the men’s 7s being consistently competitive at the highest level and recognized as a top tier team, and the development of numerous players and coaches across America. Helping shape the programs from the ground up has been something I will forever be proud of,” Greening continued.               

Greening said that he was proud of how committed and loyal he was to stay for the ride so that he could help build something special in the US and leave the programs in a better place, with methods and foundations for those to come next to build upon and continue the success for years to come.

Adding that even though he was committed and loyal through the tough times of the union’s bankruptcy, and Covid, the drain of having to wear so many hats, help with resources, and family sacrifice, has cost him personally over the years and ultimately his family, that this journey and sticking to his principles and standards is one that he is proud of.

Greening said, “On reflection, this journey has given me so many personal lessons, it’s driven me to a deeper personal development and importantly it has ignited my love for coaching, developing people and teams. It’s also shaped who I am today and confirmed my principles which I am grateful for.

“I am very grateful for the people who have walked with me on this journey over this incredible decade and the friendships I continue to enjoy and I will always cherish.”