Rugby United New York Announces Head Coach

NEW YORK (September 13, 2019)- Rugby United New York is thrilled to announce the signing of Head Coach Greg McWilliams on a three-year contract. McWilliams’ impressive coaching career spans over a decade in both Ireland and the United States. His most recent appointment came in the fall of 2017, when he was tasked with coaching the backs and the attack for the United States National team.

McWilliams (Dublin, Ireland) began his coaching career as the Director of Rugby for his alma mater, St. Michael’s College, before quickly transitioning into the Head Coach of the school’s 1st XV. In 2010, the Irishman joined the coaching staff at perennial powerhouse Leinster and led the side to multiple junior interprovincial championships.

“We look forward to bringing Greg on board with RUNY,” stated RUNY General Manager James English. “He is an excellent player centered coach, who will continue to build on our solid foundations from our inaugural season. Greg is a major part of our long-term vision for the club.”

After finding success in Ireland, McWilliams assumed the role of Director of Rugby for Yale University in 2015. He oversees all rugby operations in addition to acting as Head Coach of the men’s team. From 2015-2017, McWilliams was the Attack Coach for the Men’s Collegiate All Americans. After finding success there, he was appointed as an assistant coach for the USA National Team in the fall of 2017, with an emphasis on overseeing the attack and acting as the Backs’ Coach.

McWilliams has enjoyed success on the international stage with the Eagles. Since joining the organization, they have won 16 matches, while only losing 4. His tenure is highlighted by the Eagles’ win against Scotland in June of 2018. McWilliams is currently with the National Team in preparation for the Rugby World Cup, set to kick off next week.

“I’m very excited for the new challenge ahead with Rugby United New York,” McWilliams shared. “I look forward to adding to the excellent work done by Mike Tolkin. I loved my time at Yale and look forward to support the program moving forward. I would like to thank RUNY General Manager, James English for creating a vision that I am excited to join.”

Rugby United New York will compete in the Eastern Conference during the 2020 Major League Rugby season, which includes the Toronto Arrows, NOLA Gold, New England Free Jacks, DC Old Glory and Rugby ATL.

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About Rugby United New York

Rugby United New York is a professional rugby team who joined Major League Rugby as an associate member in 2018, playing a brief, but successful exhibition season. Their first full MLR schedule took place in 2019. RUNY’s vision is to bring the excitement of professional rugby to the New York sports landscape. The use of rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, and discipline will help to educate, inspire and connect with the New York Community. Rugby United New York, the city’s first professional rugby franchise, strives to unite the entire rugby community and enrich it at every level throughout the region. The team was founded by James Kennedy of the Murphy Kennedy Group, who is an active supporter of grassroots rugby.

About Major League Rugby

MLR is a professional rugby league that launched in April of 2018. It’s an initiative of the American rugby community, in partnership with private investors, who believe that American rugby can thrive at the highest levels: as a commercial enterprise; as an influential player on the international scene; and as a participation sport at the youth and senior level. MLR is the pinnacle of the American rugby, and provides a rallying point for local communities, a focal point for American rugby fans, and an aspirational destination for young athletes. For more information, visit usmlr.com.