Team GB will not be sending a mens rugby sevens team to the 2024 Olympics, but Simon Amor, the man who nearly led them to glory in 2016, will be there – as head coach of Japan.
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Amor, who spent eight years at the helm of England’s sevens team and served as Team GB’s head coach twice, is a well-known figure in the sevens community. Despite his reputation for being a “nearly man,” he has an impressive track record.
As a player, Amor secured a silver medal with England at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and finished as runner-up in the World Rugby Sevens Series the same year.
After his tenure with England, Amor returned to the sevens circuit, briefly leading Hong Kong before being named technical director of Japan’s team.
He was soon promoted to head coach and has since guided Japan to the top of the Olympic qualifying pool.
Under his leadership, Japan successfully navigated the knockout rounds to secure their spot at the Paris Games, an achievement Team GB couldn’t replicate.
Amor began his rugby career at London Irish, starting as a junior player before moving up to the senior squad. In the summer of 2002, he signed a professional contract with Gloucester.
Throughout his career, he also played for Harlequins, London Irish, Blackheath, Coventry, and the Rugby Lions. While at Gloucester, he was a substitute in the 2003 Powergen Cup Final, where Gloucester triumphed over Northampton Saints.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”