Phil Greening Appointed Head Coach of Japan Men’s Sevens

The Japan Rugby Football Union is delighted to announce that Phil Greening has been appointed as Head Coach of the Japan National Men’s Sevens Team. The announcement follows Simon Amor stepping away from the role following the Rugby Sevens tournament at the Paris Olympics.

Commenting on his appointment as Head Coach of the Japan Men’s Sevens Team, Phil Greening said:

‘’I’m excited and honored to be heading up the Japan Men’s Sevens program. We will develop the program in all areas, from athletic and skills development, to high-performance, and create A pathway for Japan’s exciting young players. My aim is to create and deepen the player pathways by building relationships with the clubs and universities to have a player centered approach to help nurture Japan’s young talent. Japan has a deep tradition and love of rugby, and we should be performing on the highest stage consistently, which is what I want to achieve and be part of.” 

He will start in the role on September 1, 2024.

Phil Greening
Date of Birth: October 3, 1975
Birthplace: Gloucester, England
Education: Chosen Hill School
Position: Hooker

Club Career
1999-2006 London Wasps
1998-1999 Sale Sharks
1992-1998 Gloucester

International Career
1996-2001 England National Team (27 caps)

Coaching Career
2013 – 2024 USA Rugby – Assistant Coach & High-Performance Coordinator, USA Sevens & Assistant Coach USA Fifteens
2012 – 2013 Scottish Rugby – Head of Sevens Programme & Fifteens Contact Skills Coach
2005 – 2007 England Sevens – Assistant Coach

Commenting on his time as Head Coach of the Japan Men’s Sevens Team, Simon Amor said: “I would like to thank the JRFU for the opportunity and honour to support the Japan Sevens programme over the last three years. My aim was to give my best, to help the players and staff improve. I’m very proud to have achieved my two main goals of supporting the Sakura Sevens to qualify for the World Sevens Series in 2022 and qualifying the Men’s team for the Paris 2024 Olympics. My hope is that the fast and brave style of play, and innovative set piece that was embraced by the crowds in Paris will inspire children across the wonderful country of Japan to play Sevens rugby and become future Olympians.”