Thorburn will help Eagles soar

Former All Black selector Peter Thorburn has dug his tracksuit out of the wardrobe and resurrected his coaching career by accepting an offer to coach the USA Eagles national team.

Thorburn, 66, has been appointed on an interim basis to take the USA through their World Cup qualifying programme, which gives them three chances to make it to the 2007 tournament in France. Assuming Thorburn can plot a route to the World Cup, it is probable he will be offered the job on a more permanent basis.

His appointment to the Eagles was masterminded by former Ulster coach Alan Solomons, who now works for the IRB. The USA were in urgent need of a new coach after Tom Bilups unexpectedly quit two weeks ago.

Solomons was aware Thorburn has vast experience coaching North Harbour, New Zealand Sevens, New Zealand Colts as well as Bristol and made an approach last week.

Since returning from Bristol in 2003, he has worked at the International Rugby Academy and was this year a New Zealand Under-19 selector as well as a consultant for Manawatu.

He had thought his days operating as a hands-on coach were behind him but the prospect of being able to make a significant difference to the USA team persuaded him to take the job.
"USA Rugby is fortunate to have secured the services of Peter Thorburn," said Solomons. "He is well respected internationally, particularly in New Zealand, and comes with ringing endorsements by both current All Blacks attack coach Wayne Smith and former captain Wayne Shelford."

It is also possible the USA might end up in Group B at the World Cup, the same pool as the All Blacks and Scotland.

For that to happen, the USA would have to defeat Canada and win the North American qualifying section.

If they fail to secure that place, they will then play the second-placed team from the South American qualifiers - most likely Uruguay. If they don't win that play-off, they will go into a repechage and face a European contender such as Spain or Romania. Should the USA end up in Pool B, it will see Thorburn pit his wits against Smith, one of the men who endorsed his appointment.

"You couldn't get a more worldly, experienced or honest man," said Smith.

Thorburn's first challenge will be to prepare the side for the expanded Churchill Cup in June which will feature New Zealand Maori, England A, Scotland A, Ireland A, USA and Canada. He will be based in Boulder, Colorado.