Australia Names New Rugby Sevens Coach for LA Olympics

Topic: Rugby 7

Tuesday, 21 July 2026, at 9:00 am

Tuesday, 21 July 2026, at 12:16 pm

The Australian women's rugby sevens team won the world championship last month.

In short:

Reg Tayler is the new head coach of the Australian women's rugby sevens team.

Tayler will be in charge until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

He replaces Tim Walsh, who is now Rugby Australia's director of women's high performance.

Reg Tayler is the new head coach of the world champion Australian women's rugby sevens team.

The decision follows Tim Walsh's departure after Australia won the World Championship in France.

Tayler was an assistant coach to Walsh, who is now Rugby Australia's director of women's high performance.

New Australia coach Reg Tayler is pictured with Tim Walsh.

Tayler will guide Australia through its two-year build-up to the Olympics.

The squad wants to succeed until the Olympics in Los Angeles, Tayler said.

Australia made a key appointment to help deliver success on the international stage.

Our players are professional and want to win a gold medal, Tayler said.

Tayler has big shoes to fill as the new coach.

Walsh led Australia to its recent World Championship victory and the inaugural Olympic gold.

It is the only time Australia has won Olympic gold in the sport.

Australia won the first women's Olympic rugby sevens gold in 2016.

Walsh will still have input through his new role as part of RA's strategy.

He is confident Tayler will leave his mark as head coach.

Reg is knowledgeable of the World Series circuit and has worked with many players.

He understands the game and his expertise will be fully utilized by the program.

It's a privilege to retain Reg, Tayler said.

Tayler has previously coached the Australia A women's sevens team.

He worked with Ireland's women's and men's squads between 2023-25.

Australia claimed the World Championship with victories in the final two legs.

See more ABC coverage in your search results

Sport

Topic: Olympic Games

Topic: Cricket

Topic: FIFA World Cup

Topic: AFL Women’s

Topic: AFL