The New Zealand women's sevens coach Sean Horan is stepping down from the role following his side's silver medal success at the Rio Olympics.
New Zealand coach Sean Horan comforts Gayle Broughton after the loss against Australia in the Women's Sevens Gold medal final, Rio Olympics. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Horan, who has coached the team for nearly five years, says now is the right time to look for a fresh challenge.
"I'm immensely proud of the team, the players and the management," he said.
"It's been a huge privilege to have been part of this amazing ride."
Under Horan, New Zealand has won three out of the first four Women's Sevens Series titles, and finished second in the fourth season of the new look series this year.
The team are also the reigning World Champions after winning Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow in 2013.
They won the silver medal in Rio last month, losing to Australia in the Olympic final.
The former Bay of Plenty Steamers coach says he will now take a break from the sport and consider his options.
"I love rugby and fully intend to keep involved in some shape or form, but now's the right time for someone else to take up the sevens reins and build on the strong foundation the team's created."
New Zealand Rugby will shortly advertise for the new Black Ferns Sevens coach, with Horan's successor to be given a four-year appointment through to the next Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.
