Sir Gordon Tietjens has announced that he will be stepping down as coach of the New Zealand sevens team.
Tietjen's contract with New Zealand Rugby expired following the Rio Olympic Games and the 60-year-old has opted not to extend his tenure with the side, putting an end to a prestigious 22-year coaching career.
"I love the sevens game and I'm immensely proud of what I've achieved and what all our players have been able to achieve in my time with the team," he said.
A revolutionary figure in the world of Sevens rugby, Tietjens has guided the All Blacks sevens team to unprecedented success since taking charge in 1994, securing a total of 12 IRB World series title, including a streak of six straight from 2000 through until 2005, and a haul of five Commonwealth gold medals.
"I've loved my time in sevens and I aim to still be involved in some capacity. I'm now working through what those next steps are. "I'm grateful to New Zealand Rugby for the support they've given me over the years. I want to especially acknowledge the management team and all the players who have contributed to the success of New Zealand sevens during the last 22 years. I have so many great memories from what’s been an amazing time with the team.
"We were all incredibly disappointed with our results in Rio, but we have to acknowledge just how far sevens rugby has come. It's become intensely competitive and the Olympics proved just how tough it is to win at this level these days."
The Rotorua product is responsible for unearthing some legendary All Blacks talent, most notably Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen.
Tietjens was inducted to the IRB Hall of Fame in 2012, and the following year awarded The New Zealand Order of Merit.
New Zealand Rugby says it will start looking for a replacement to take over the side, which will next play the Dubai tournament in early December.
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