Following USA Rugby's Board of Directors meeting, USA Rugby has officially announced that it will keep men's national team head coach Peter Thorburn on through the Rugby World Cup 2007.
"I'm delighted that Peter will be staying on as head coach," USA Rugby CEO and Director of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville said after the Board's decision. "Peter has really started to make a difference with this team and it's visible in the way they qualified for the Rugby World Cup against Uruguay."
Peter Thorburn, a name that, in the past, has been synonymous with the All Blacks both as a coach and selector, was identified, less than eight months ago, as the interim head coach of the USA by the then interim Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.
He was hired, initially to get the US qualified for the Rugby World Cup in France, which he did quickly when he won the two-game series against Uruguay in October, avoiding repachage and successfully securing a spot for the US in Pool A.
"Being hired as the national team coach for the next World Cup is very exciting for me," Thorburn said. "I am really looking forward to these next nine months and the program I've prepared for the Rugby World Cup. In fact, this will be the first World Cup I've attended as the head coach and that is thrilling for an old guy like me.
"But this isn't about me, it's about the team, and helping USA Rugby get to where it needs to be. After watching the USA Rugby men's All-Star event, I really think we are making progress in the fitness and conditioning of the players, and I am eager to continue the training camps as we have developed some good relationships with specialized coaches from New Zealand."
Thorburn is well respected internationally, particularly in New Zealand, and comes with ringing endorsements by both current All Blacks attack coach Wayne Smith and former All Blacks captain Wayne Shellford. Most recently Thorburn was a a New Zealand U19 selector (2005-06) and a facilitator at Murray Mexted's IRANZ courses for international coaches and players (2004-06).
He coached the All Blacks' Sevens squad to the 1989 Hong Kong Sevens title, sandwiched between runner-up finishes in 1988 and 1990. From 1987-1991, he coached various All Blacks trial teams including the Colts (U21) trials. From 1992-93, he was an All Black selector.
He coached New Zealand A, beating England in two tests and coached New Zealand U21, beating Australia. In 1993 he coached New Zealand A (beating West Samoa) and the New Zealand Divisional team to the Pacific Islands and the Sevens to Hong Kong and Edinburgh.
His success with New Zealand Rugby can be traced to North Harbour where he coached from 1985-91, winning two national titles and adding three runner-up finishes. He's also a sought after commentator on the game and is used widely by the New Zealand media.
"One of Peter's greatest qualities is identifying athletes with talent to play at the international level," Melville added. "He understands what the USA needs in France to compete in one of the toughest pools at the 2007 Rugby World Cup."