Gary Gold steps down as US Eagles coach with 'immediate effect'

USA Eagles head coach Gary Gold has stepped down from his role following on from the side’s failure to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Last month the Eagles – who will host the tournament on 2031 – failed to qualify for the flagship tournament for the first time since 1995. Portugal qualified on points difference after drawing with Gold’s side in their crunch qualifying match in Dubai with the final kick of the game.

According to the union, World Rugby “have offered to assist with the overarching High Performance review process” in conjunction with the USA Rugby Board of Directors and independent High Performance experts, which will be supported by the National Office.

Former England head coach Eddie Jones has been linked with an eight-year tenure with the side.

USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young said on the review, “It’s standard procedure for us to assess each of the programs and structures at the end of every Rugby World Cup and Olympic cycle, and that process began after our exits in New Zealand and Dubai.

“While we are appreciative of the work Gary Gold has done with the Men’s Eagles program, Gary is going to step away from the Head Coach role with immediate effect but will still be available to support the performance review process. Meanwhile, Rob Cain has come to the end of his existing contract with the Women’s Eagles. Rob has had a hugely positive impact on developing the program during his tenure, but his contract will not be automatically renewed.

“We will await the findings of our review to decide what the future looks like with Rob and next steps regarding coaching assignments and High Performance roles.

“The global rugby landscape is changing rapidly and will improve further with new competitions and a regular structured calendar. From the results this fall, it is clear we have not kept pace with the rest of the world. Now, we must find ways in which the United States can innovate and capitalize on its natural strengths in order to excel both on and off the field. This will all tie in with the wider growth plan that USA Rugby will present to World Rugby in May as part of the Rugby World Cup hosting process.”