Damian Karauna Retires as Sevens Coach

On 21 May 2018, the Japan Rugby Football Union announced that Japan Sevens head coach Damian Karauna would be retiring from the role on 31 May 2018.

Comments by Damian Karauna,
“Firstly, it has been a privilege Coaching the Japan Men’s Sevens team.
I am disappointed not being re contracted through to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. But the JRFU wants to head in a different direction.
We have worked very hard to rebuild the program post Rio, and we are now starting to see the results.
With winning the 2017 Asia Series, qualifying for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018, winning Hong Kong Qualifying tournament to be promoted back to HSBC World Series 2019, I feel I am leaving the program in a healthy state.
I want to thank the media for their support. I would also like to thank the Coaches, Universities and Companies who have supported the Sevens for allowing their players to be involved in the National program.
Exciting times ahead, and I look forward to supporting our players.
Arigatou
Gambatte
It has been a privilege.”

Comments by Team Japan 2020 Japan Sevens manager, Kensuke Iwabuchi, “I would like to thank Damian for his fantastic leadership and tremendous efforts in helping to raise the standard of the Japan men’s Sevens side. Over the past 18 months, Damian has made great strides in moving our programme forward so that we can compete with the best. I wish him well in his future coaching career.”