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The All Blacks Sevens are on the lookout for a new head coach.
Tomasi Cama is stepping away after the end of the current World Series Sevens campaign.
Cama, part of the coaching staff for the past nine years after enjoying a 10-year playing career with the team between 2005 and 2015, believes the timing is right to move on.
‘‘I’ve had some incredible opportunities through sevens and feel privileged to have represented the black jersey both as a player and a coach for more than 20 years,’’ he said.
‘‘I want to acknowledge everyone who has supported me over the years, including coaches like Dave Rennie, Gordon Tietjens and Clark Laidlaw, who gave me so much of their time and knowledge.’’
Cama’s decision coincides with the All Blacks Sevens being beaten 14-5 by France in yesterday’s final of the championship season-ending tournament in Bordeaux, France, Cama’s 150th international sevens tournament as a player or coach.
The runner-up finish was one of the better performances in what has been a difficult year for the New Zealand men’s team.
While they won in Dubai, they finished outside of the top three in six of the nine tournaments in which they played.
Cama did not travel to Vancouver and New York in March due to visa issues, which forced Willie Rickards to assume head coaching duties for the two tournaments.
In a statement, New Zealand Rugby said it would be confirming a new All Blacks Sevens coaching team next month.
South Africa were eliminated in the semifinals in France but did enough to win the overall world men’s sevens crown.
Australia won the overall women’s title after beating the Black Ferns Sevens 26-19 in the Bordeaux final.
Star player Maddison Levi scored two tries in the final to take her season tally to 64.
While the Black Ferns Sevens won eight of the 13 tournaments on the circuit, Australia won the final two legs of the three-leg world championship decider.
New Zealand had some consolation when Jorja Miller was again named the best player on the circuit. — RNZ/Allied Media