Mike Friday, a former Kenya Sevens coach announced he is stepping down from the same role with the same USA team where he has been for the past 10 years. Friday is one of the former England players who took up coaching in different teams that have been playing in the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Others are Ben Gollings who coached Fiji before he was replaced by Osea Kolonisau (a former captain). Before Gollings was Ben Ryan. Another former England Sevens captain Simon Amor in Japan.

Friday’s exit has sparked a debate about his replacement. It is not clear whether the coach will have a say on who steps in his shoes but there is a possibility that some of the players who have donned the jersey could be in consideration because they understand the demands of the shorter version of the game.

One of the names which has been floated is that of Zack Test who has navigated his way to coaching from playing at the under-19 level. Already, former players have ascended to coaching positions in Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Spain, Kenya and many other countries.

The profile of 7s rugby in the USA is steadily growing and has received a major boost after the women’s team defied all odds to win a bronze medal at the Olympics in Paris where they beat Australia in the playoff.