John Manenti leaves Australia sevens for San Diego head coach role in MLR

World-renowned rugby sevens coach John Manenti is set to leave Australia’s shores after accepting an offer to coach San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby. Manenti will officially begin his new head coach role with the MLR heavyweights on September 1.

What Manenti achieved in the Australian sevens program is unrivalled, historic, and worthy of praise as rugby’s seven-a-side format continues to grow. The 53-year-old enjoyed successful stints with the women’s and men’s sides during an almost decade-long involvement.

Manenti led the women’s side to the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021. There was genuine belief that that team would go on to claim gold but they ended up bundling out of medal contention after a shock quarter-final loss to Fiji.

After that, Manenti began coaching the men’s team. What happened over the following few years was incredible with the Aussies going through a period of success that transformed the men’s program for all the right reasons.

Australia claimed the overall World Rugby Sevens (not SVNS Series) title in 2021/22 for the first time in the history of the men’s program. They backed that up by taking out Cup Final glory at the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens the following season.

Manenti’s last tournament with the Aussie sevens was one that the nation can be proud of. While some wouldn’t have considered the men in gold to be a genuine chance of challenging for a medal, they ended up winning their first four matches at Stade de France.

But after a heavy loss to Fiji in the semi-finals, and a heartbreaking defeat to South Africa in the bronze medal match, Australia finished fourth. It wasn’t the result they’re after but what Manenti achieved in the sevens program is still nothing short of legendary.

“I’ve had nine wonderful years in the sevens program with both men’s and women’s teams,” Manenti said in a statement.

“What we’ve achieved together in the past three years has been incredible and I feel we’ve been part of the most successful era in Aussie men’s sevens.

“We’ve won a World Series, gold medals in Hong Kong and London, finished on multiple podiums, achieved automatic Olympic qualification and enjoyed best-ever Olympic results.

“I’m extremely proud of the players and staff for our achievements. For me, it’s time now to return to 15s and continue my growth as a coach, with the ambition to contribute to Super Rugby at some stage.

“The sevens program is well set up to go on to bigger and better results and I look forward to following the progression.

“I’d like to thank Rugby Australia for the privilege of coaching the men’s and women’s national teams.”

Manenti will head to the Land of the Brave to coach one of the most successful and well-known clubs in MLR history. San Diego Legion are looking to build on this year’s campaign after bundling out of the playoffs with a 30-28 loss to Seattle Seawolves in July.

The Legion had two-time Rugby World Cup-winning All Black Ma’a Nonu and former Wallaby Matt Giteau among their ranks but they’re unable to bring the MLR shield back to San Diego. But that’s in the past now – the Legion have made a statement with Manenti’s appointment.

“Throughout the head coach recruitment process, John consistently stood out from an exceptionally talented field of candidates,” team owner of San Diego Legion, Ryan Patterson, explained.

"His strategic vision for rugby, coupled with his demonstrated ability to elevate teams and foster winning cultures, left us deeply impressed. We are thrilled to welcome a coach of his calibre to San Diego Legion, confident in his expertise and dedication to lead out team to new successes.”

David Haigh, CEO Of San Diego Legion, added: “John’s appointment is a clear reflection of our commitment to excellence.

“His extensive experience and impressive track record of nurturing players and achieving success on the international stage will be invaluable as we aim to fortify our presence in Major League Rugby and beyond.

“We are confident that John will lead the San Diego Legion to new heights.”