2023 Coaching Group Announced

Coach - James Semple

Welcome to New York, James! James joins us from New Zealand, having previously been Head Coach for the Waikato Women's team, and an assistant coach at the Auckland Blues. James has also been nominated for NZ Coach of the Year twice in 2021 and 2020. He's also familiar with the MLR having spent time as a Player/Coach at the Utah Warriors.

Forwards Coach - Ben Afeaki

Welcome to New York, Ben. Ben is a capped All Black who joins us from Auckland Blues, having previously been their Scrum Coach. Ben was a Forwards Coach at North Harbour and played prop with the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby.

Head of High Performance - Ollie Richardson

Ollie joins us for his second year with Rugby New York. He has a wealth of experience in the UK (Huddersfield Giants RLFC, Leicester Tigers) as well as in Japan (Kubota Spears) and in Australia (Queensland Reds)

Technical Advisor - Andy Ellis

Welcome back, Andy! A true Rugby New York Ironworker, Andy Ellis joins us as Technical Advisor for the 2023 season. Andy has won champions in the US (MLR), Japan (Top League) and in New Zealand (Super Rugby). He also won a Rugby World Cup in 2011 with the All Blacks, representing them on 28 occasions.

Coaching Coordinator - Steve Lewis

Steve has been with Rugby New York for a number of years, and brings a wealth of experience to our coaching team. Steve won USA Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2016, and is a World Rugby Level 3 Coach. He's also been Head Coach at an international level for Nigeria and Jamaican Sevens.

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