Gareth Gilbert steps down

Gilbert steps down a few weeks after the Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens, having led the side for three seasons.

In his time at the helm Netherlands became the first women’s Sevens national side to turn fully professional and they were included by the IRB as one of the core sides for the first ever World Series.

He said:  “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the NRB for giving me the opportunity to be the coach of the ladies Sevens programme. It was a great honour and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I believe we achieved amazing things and I am very proud of what I was able to achieve with the team. I have learnt a lot over the last three years but believe I have also shared all the knowledge I have been able to and I am extremely proud to see the players and staff that I worked with develop to higher levels. To my team thank you for all the hard work and dedication, it is a pity we never reached the level we worked for but I know you are destined for great things!! To the staff I had the pleasure of working with thank you for your long hours and professionalism you showed and thank you for all your support. To all the supporters, families and friends who supported me through the years thank you for making it an amazing journey and I am sure we will meet again soon!! Finally to all my colleagues in the office at the NRB, who are usually working extremely hard to make sure this beautiful game continues to grow from strength to strength everyday!! Thank you."