Amor Out as Test Becomes Sevens Head Coach
Amor Out as Test Becomes Sevens Head Coach
USA Rugby confirmed today that Simon Amor has decided to step away from his role with the USA Men’s Sevens. In his place, USA Rugby has appointed Zack Test as the new Head Coach of the program, effective immediately.
As a USA Eagle Alum with extensive experience in High Performance coaching and development, Test brings new breadth to the USA Men’s program. Test has most recently served as Assistant Coach with the USA Women’s Sevens since 2021, becoming a key contributor to the team’s growth and Olympic medal win in Paris 2024. Test’s playing and coaching record additionally brings a deep understanding of the American rugby landscape, so his appointment comes at a pivotal time for the program looking to cultivate talent ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games and beyond.
With a strong emphasis on developing a domestic foundation, fostering USA coaching talent and building a sustainable athlete pipeline; USA Rugby is focused on long-term success that Test is uniquely positioned to lead with the Men’s Sevens program.
Test said on the Head Coaching appointment, “It is an honor and privilege to represent the USA Men’s Sevens team as their Head Coach. For over a decade, I have been working towards my dream of coaching this team and leading this program. To me, this is more than just a rugby team, it is a family. It is a group of outstanding individuals that have the opportunity to move forward the legacy of the Men’s Sevens through their actions and values.
“My mission has always been to help this team and program reach their full potential, both on and off the field. We have a unique opportunity to create an authentic American style of Sevens, to continue inspiring the growing rugby communities, and ultimately to compete for an Olympic medal. My ultimate objective is to build this team’s capability of performing to its full potential under pressure, every time we step on the field. I am excited to maximize the talent and strength within our current player group with a foundation of experience and young talent that is in place. It is clear we need to solidify the areas necessary to compete consistently at the highest level. In order to reach our goals, we must tailor our physical performance to the demands of the game, refine our technical actions, and sharpen our tactical control of the game.
I look forward to preparing our national team in our own American way. One that reflects our rugby community's core values and inspires the next generation of athletes to achieve greatness at the LA 2028 Olympic Games and beyond.”
USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren said on the appointment, “Zack was a finalist in last season’s coaching search and impressed us with his initiative, intelligence and passion. Over the past year, Zack has continued to evolve and has demonstrated the growth we were hoping to see. We’re fully confident in Zack’s vision and dedication to thrive as a world-class coach and leader of this program.
“On behalf of USA Rugby, I want to send our best wishes to Simon and his future endeavors, thanking him for his leadership with our young team and hard work during a foundational year.”
Before finalizing Test’s appointment, USA Rugby evaluated a list of other potential global candidates. Ultimately, there was mutual agreement that Test’s experience with the broader USA Sevens program and extensive knowledge of the USA Rugby landscape was the right fit to lead the USA Men’s Sevens forward.
A global search to recruit a new USA Women’s Sevens Assistant Coach will also commence with the new candidate expected to be in place ahead of the team’s reassembly for the 2025-26 SVNS Series
