Welshman Geraint John was Tuesday appointed coach of Australia’s Rugby Sevens team, giving him barely a month in the job ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
The 51-year-old replaces Michael O’Connor, who had been in the role since 2008 but called it quits in February due to family commitments.
John, most recently coach of Canada’s Sevens team, takes the reins on June 23, four weeks before leading Australia’s Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow.
However, his chief focus is on the Olympic qualification period which begins in October.
“Australian rugby is steeped in history and, in my opinion, the role of men’s Sevens head coach is one of the best team jobs in the sport,” John said.
“While the prospect of coaching at the Olympics is an extremely appetising one, for me, the next tournament is always the most important.”
Australia came home with silver from the last Commonwealth Games, and are plotting revenge against New Zealand.