Rugby United New York Press Release: March 04, 2021
Rugby United New York is sad to announce that Greg McWilliams, Head Coach, has resigned for personal reasons.
Greg McWilliams said “I have taken the extremely difficult decision to step away as Head Coach of Rugby United New York in order to support my wife Sarah as we continue to battle through some significant health issues. It’s time to put my family first. One thing the last year living during a global [andemic has taught all of us is just how important family is.”
“I can’t speak highly enough of the support we continue to receive from the rugby community here in the U.S. and abroad. It is something we will never forget.”
“To the owners, the staff, and to the special player group, I want to thank you for all the endless support. We have assembled a gifted squad of great men that will do New York proud, and I am sure will be competing at the business end of the season. Our family looks forward to cheering on Rugby United New York throughout this and many more MLR seasons to come.”
The Chairman of Rugby United New York, Guy Bolton said, “Greg has our full support and we respect his decision to step down. While it’s tough to lose someone of Greg’s caliber so close to the season, it’s a sign of the quality of the person Greg is, that he has made this hard decision.”
Mr. Bolton added that our coaching and player leadership group has already stepped up to the challenge and the search has begun to add quality personnel to our outstanding coaching and management team. Mr. Bolton said, “Dealing with challenges is what we do in New York, so together we are now getting on with the job.”
DJCoil Rugby Comments
Greg McWilliams was announced as the head coach of Rugby United New York on September 13, 2019. During the 2020 Major League Rugby season, Greg was faced with the challenges of his coaching responsibilities coupled with his wife Sarah battling breast cancer, while two young twins also needed care.
Greg was encouraged by his wife to continue as head coach and the team ended the pandemic shortened season with a 3-2 record in 2020. A year went by since his wife’s diagnosis and there were positive signs for Sarah. Greg was looking forward to the 2021 season and was vigorously preparing for the season that is set to begin on March 20.
On February 8, 2021, Sarah McWilliams was interviewed by Sarah Cody of WTNH.com about her battle with breast cancer and caring for her twins. “Sarah McWilliams is known for her unstoppable spirit and that brilliant smile shining through…”
Greg was interviewed on February 16, 2021, by Rugby Revealed Podcast host Gavin Hickie along with James Willocks about his experiences in Ireland that led to his move to the U.S., his roller-coaster American coaching journey, and what it’s like overseeing professional rugby in the Big Apple, and he looked forward to the 2021 MLR season beginning. Listen to this outstanding interview!
Greg has coached St. Michael’s College, Leinster U19s, Irish Women’s rugby team, the Barbarians, Yale University, and has been an Assistant coach for the USA Collegiate All-Americans, as well as for the USA Men’s National Team, prior to becoming head coach of Rugby United New York.
It comes as a shock a short time later that conditions shifted and Greg needed to support his family’s welfare.
Rugby United New York and the entire rugby community wish Greg and his family well. Sarah is a battler and has family support. Greg will resurface as a coach in the future when the time is right, but for now, he is needed with his family.
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