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Ramsey Tomokino keen on Manu 7s job

Manusina coach Ramsey Tomokino. [Photo: PHOTOSPORT]

Samoa women's rugby coach Ramsey Tomokino believes he has the required passion and experience to take charge of the men's sevens program.

Applications closed on Friday to replace Damian McGrath, who was sacked following Samoa's failure to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

Tomokino coached the Samoa Under 20s team to victory at the Junior World Trophy this year.

He's also in charge of the Manusina sevens and fifteens teams, and was recently appointed Manu Samoa team manager.

"I came close last year when Damian got that appointment so I just thought it would be an opportune time to have a go at it again and see what happens."

I obviously have other roles within the Samoa Rugby Union as well - I've got to make the shortlist first to be considered so we'll just see what happens from there," he said.

"Samoa not qualifying for the Olympics was actually quite a big deal...and when you looked at the actual tournament they probably could have been one of those darkhorse teams that possibly could have medalled - on their day they can beat anyone as we know."

"They were pretty unlucky not to get there and so (we have to) sort of start again, reset - obviously there are players that have left as well."

"Sevens is something I've been passionate about - I've obviously had experience on the (World Series) Circuit with Cook Islands."

"I've been involved with Auckland Sevens for a number of years previously, when we had a bit of a golden run at the nationals, learning and plying my trade under Eric Rush, and working with Titch in terms of talent identification for players since being out of that role."

"Also my involvement with the Condor Sevens, which is the national secondary schools sevens, and there is a number of players that have come out of that programme that have gone on to represent New Zealand,"

The Samoa Rugby Union has said it will consider both local and off-shore candidates and hoped to have a new coach in place early next month.