Former All blacks selector Peter Thorburn has been named as interim head coach of the US Eagles as the US authorities search for a replacement for Tom Billups.
"USA Rugby is fortunate to have secured the services of Peter Thorburn," said USA Rugby interim Director of Rugby Alan Solomons. "He is well respected internationally, particularly in New Zealand, and comes with ringing endorsements by both current All Blacks attack coach Wayne Smith and former All Blacks captain Wayne Shelford."
Thorburn was most recently a New Zealand U19 selector (2005-06) and coached the All Blacks' squad to the 1989 Hong Kong Sevens title, sandwiched between runner-up finishes in 1988 and 1990. From 1987-1991 he coached various All Blacks trial teams including the Colts (U21) trials. From 1992-93 he was an All Black selector. He coached New Zealand 'A', beating England in two Tests and coached New Zealand U21, beating Australia. In 1993 he coached New Zealand 'A' (beating Western Samoa) and the New Zealand Divisional team to the Pacific Islands and the Sevens team to Hong Kong and Edinburgh.
An All Blacks selector in 2000 and 2001, he was also the forwards coach at Bristol in 2002, then Director of Rugby and head coach during the 2003 season. He's also a sought after commentator on the game and is used widely by the New Zealand media.
Expected to arrive in the United States in time for the North American Four Series in May, his most immediate task will be contacting men's national team players in the coming days.
"You couldn't get a more worldly, experienced or honest man," said All Black attacks coach Wayne Smith.