Sir Gordon Tietjens

7s super coach to attend POM fundraiser

A veteran of 22 seasons, Tietjens is regarded as New Zealand’s and the sport’s most successful coach.

He has coached well over 100 international Sevens Tournaments since taking over the New Zealand sides in 1994.

Under Tietjens, the All Blacks Sevens team has become the most successful in the world, winning four Commonwealth games gold medals, 11 HSBC World Series Sevens titles including the 2012/2013 series, and two IRB Sevens World Championship titles in 2001 and in 2013.

Tietjens reveals why not Fiji

Sir Tietjens, who has been appointed the Samoan 7s team coach, revealed this in an interview with this newspaper last night.

"They were already at the top, they are already the best team in the world," he said, referring to the Fiji 7s team.

He made the comments in response to questions by this newspaper that have lingered in the minds of all Fijians where at one point he was rumoured to be one of the contenders for the Fiji 7s team coach.

Tietjens confirms move to Samoa

The Samoa Rugby Union has confirmed the appointment at a press conference in Apia.

Tietjens will be aided by assistant coach Stephen Betham, with Ramsay Tomokino named as team manager.

Tietjens met with the Samoa Rugby Union board last night, including Chairman and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, to finalise details of his contract.

The 60-year-old spent 22 years in charge of the New Zealand sevens team, stepping down from the role in September after their fifth place finish at the Rio Olympics.

Kenya and Samoa seeking Titch

 Tietjens stepped down as All Blacks Sevens coach after the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The Kenya Rugby chairman Richard Omwela is reported to have contacted Tietjens, but is yet to discuss with him the possibility of taking over as head coach.

Omwela told Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper, "We have had initial contacts with him (Tietjens) and he said he is available, but he has said before that he doesn't want a full time job after retirement…he only wants to do consultancy."

Tietjens steps down as sevens coach

The All Blacks Sevens were a major disappointment at the recent Rio Olympics - failing to win a medal and being generally lackluster in their play.

Tietjens said he had taken some time to think about his options following the Olympic campaign and felt the time was right for a fresh challenge.

"I love the sevens game and I'm immensely proud of what I've achieved and what all our players have been able to achieve in my time with the team," he said.