(PORTLAND – Nov. 6, 2024) – The countdown is on for the highly anticipated Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s) All-Stars vs. USA Rugby Tournament on November 17 in Providence Park. Being just one week away, the excitement continues to build with the announcement of an elite coaching lineup. Headlining the women’s side is 2016 Rio Olympian Kelly Griffin, with 2024 Paris Bronze Medalist Sammy Sullivan as her assistant. On the men’s side, two-time Olympic coach Richie Walker takes the reins, alongside USA rugby icon Andrew Durutalo. With these seasoned leaders at the helm, the All-Star weekend promises to be a rugby spectacle like no other.
Women’s All-Star Head Coach – Kelly Griffin
From her beginnings at UCLA in 2004, Griffin became one of the first women to sign a full-time contract with USA Rugby in 2012. Griffin’s journey has been nothing short of historic. She competed in rugby sevens’ Olympic debut at the Rio 2016 Games as captain of the United states, and secured the first-ever Women’s Premier League title with the Berkeley All Blues in 2009. Griffin’s coaching accomplishments include leading the Loonies to victory in Premier Rugby Sevens’ inaugural championship. In 2023, she guided the Golden State Retrievers to a competitive 2-2 record while she currently heads the University of California Santa Barbara Women’s Rugby program.
Women’s All-Star Assistant Coach – Sammy Sullivan
Sammy Sullivan is fresh off an historic summer with the U.S. Women’s Sevens team, helping secure the first-ever Olympic medal in USA Rugby history, earning Bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sullivan’s rugby journey began at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she earned multiple honors, including three-time NIRA 15s All-American and 2019 Collegiate Rugby Championship MVP. A force in both 15s and 7s, Sullivan made her USA XVs debut in 2022, and she’s played a pivotal role in Premier Rugby Sevens, competing with both the Southern Headliners and Pittsburgh Steeltoes, where her dynamic performances have earned her a reputation as a rising star in American rugby.
Men’s All-Star Head Coach – Richie Walker
A seasoned coach with a wealth of experience, Richie Walker brings unparalleled expertise to the men’s All-Star side. Walker, formerly the head coach of the USA Women’s Sevens National Team, has coached at the highest levels, including two Olympic Games. Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Walker led the Seattle Seawolves to the 2019 Major League Rugby Championship before returning to New Zealand to coach the Auckland Storm. He also played a key role as an assistant coach for Japan’s Women’s Sevens team at the Tokyo Olympics. In 2022, Walker joined Premier Rugby Sevens as the Head of Scouting, where his sharp eye for talent continues to shape the future of rugby in America.
Men’s All-Star Assistant Coach – Andrew Durutalo
A veteran of both the U.S. national sevens team and the U.S. rugby union team, Andrew Durutalo brings a wealth of international experience to his role as assistant coach. Durutalo competed at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, and has also played professionally for the Sunwolves in Super Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders in the English Championship, and Worcester Warriors in the English Premiership. After joining the Seattle Seawolves in Major League Rugby, Durutalo’s leadership and strong performances continued to shine. Known for his toughness and strategic insights, Durutalo is a powerful presence both on and off the field, making him the perfect addition to the All-Star coaching staff.
About Premier Rugby Sevens
Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), the highest professional level of rugby sevens in the United States and a proud partner of USA Rugby, is a revolutionary circuit showcasing the most electric men’s and women’s athletes on the planet. PR7s brings the global excitement of rugby through a fast-paced, high-scoring on-field experience, complemented by engaging fan festivals throughout North America. As a traveling circuit with a focus on North America, PR7s is the fastest, toughest, and most electrifying game on the planet and the first sports organization of its kind, with men’s and women’s teams competing under one umbrella with equal pay. To learn more about Premier Rugby Sevens, go to PRSevens.com and follow the league on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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Contact: Eric Nemeth
Premier Rugby Sevens
eric.nemeth@prsevens.com
