Gary strikes Gold with plum post in US

– Worcester director of rugby Gary Gold (left) will leave the English Premiership club at the end of the season as he has been appointed head coach of the United States, the club announced yesterday.

The 50-year-old South African will see out the remainder of his contract, due to expire in May, before starting his post with the United States, currently ranked 17th in the world.

“I would like to thank the Worcester board for understanding my decision to accept the opportunity to coach at international level,” Gold said.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sixways and my focus will remain on Warriors until the

London

end of the season, where I hope to leave the club in a strong place to ensure it can be successful in the long-term.”

Worcester are rooted to the foot of the Premiership after five rounds, having secured a solitary losing bonus point.

Gold, who served as Springbok assistant coach under Peter de Villiers, left the Sharks last year to take up the role at Worcester.

New Zealander John Mitchell, who ensured the Americans qualified for the 2019 World Cup, vacated his post as coach of the Eagles earlier this year to join the Bulls as director of rugby.

Under Mitchell, the US won the Americas Rugby Championship for the first time. –