Manu Samoa Sevens Head Coach, Sir Gordon Tietjens, has stepped down from the role.

The decision was announced by the Samoa Rugby Union yesterday in a statement quoting the Chairman and Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.

The coach’s resignation comes while the Manu Samoa Sevens has still not qualified for the Olympics, which was one of the Union's main goals in hiring the highly rated Sevens guru three years ago.

“We thank the legendary coach for taking the time to help with our Manu Samoa Sevens team over the last three seasons of the World Sevens Series,” Tuilaepa said.

“We wish Sir Gordon, Lady Julia and their family all the best for the future.”

Tuilaepa added that Tietjens decision to step down augurs well for the future and the direction S.R.U. want to take with its sevens team.

According to the S.R.U., Tietjens had discussed the matter with the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Rugby Union, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai.

 “After discussions with the CEO Vincent Fepuleai, it was agreed at the completion of my contract which expires August 31 that I would no longer be accountable as the Head Coach of the Samoa 7’s team.” Tietjens said.

 “With so much uncertainty as to when the HSBC World 7’s would continue the best solution moving forward would be to step down to allow Samoa Rugby to plan for the future.

“With the cancellation of the Olympics and 4 tournaments more than likely to be cancelled from the 2019/2020 series the timing I felt was right to step down so they could look for a new Head Coach.”

The legendary coach said he loved his time in Samoa.

 “I thoroughly enjoyed my time Coaching the Manu Samoa 7’s team and I thank the Samoa Rugby Union for giving me this opportunity,” he said.

“It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to have been involved over the last 3 years.”