USARL Board Confirms Key Leadership Changes Following Strategic Review
FOR RELEASE – 8 December 2025
USARL Announces Key Appointments Across National Team Programs
The United States Association of Rugby League (USARL) is proud to announce significant appointments across its national programs following a comprehensive review and EOI process led by newly appointed Co-Heads of Football, Shane Morris and Kurt Stocks.
The EOI process attracted a large number of high-calibre applicants and focused on strengthening the long-term capability of rugby league in the United States.
Morris emphasized the importance of building sustainable coaching frameworks in a developing rugby league nation:
"We had an outstanding pool of candidates. One of the key areas we identified was the need to upskill coaches domestically. This process was about identifying leaders who can mentor and develop not only players but also coaches and support staff, creating a lasting impact across the program."
Stocks noted that the appointments went beyond coaching credentials alone:
"This was about finding people who can build and develop sustainable national programs. Each candidate demonstrated the ability to strengthen the competitiveness of the jersey while contributing broader expertise that elevates the entire system."
USARL Chair, Matt Goschnick, acknowledged outgoing coach Sean Rutgerson for his service and commitment to rugby league in the United States and the men’s national program for over eight years, and we look forward to Sean remaining involved in the game in the US.
Goschnick also highlighted the certainty provided to players with the new appointments:
"We are pleased to confirm who will lead our programs going forward for an initial two-year term, focusing on building and developing competitive pathways and opportunities for US-eligible players through our national team."
He further praised the efforts of Stocks and Morris throughout the review process:
"Change is never easy and from the outset, Shane and Kurt have been aligned and had a clear mandate on what each program needed to develop and grow. While there have been challenges across programs and pathways in the past, we are confident we now have the best people available to lead us into the next phase, and the board is excited to see the impact Adam, Troy, and Ray can bring in leading their respective programs."
Men’s National Team
Adam Woolnough will lead the USA Men’s National Team, bringing over 155 NRL games and experience with Melbourne Storm, Penrith Panthers, Newcastle Knights, and the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII. Woolnough is currently the General Manager for Ice Hockey Australia overseeing high-performance and national teams in addition to previously holding senior roles at the Australian Institute of Sport and Queensland Academy of Sport and most recently coached the Melbourne Storm 21’s in 2022.
"This is a special opportunity, and I am grateful to the USARL board for trusting me as the next head coach of the Hawks," Woolnough said. "Rugby League in the US is full of talent—both realized and untapped. I am committed to building a program grounded in integrity, accountability, and pride in the jersey, with a strong, connected team culture. Together, we will be united, disciplined, and determined to elevate the USA Men’s program to new heights."
He will be supported by Cory Paterson, his former Newcastle teammate, who brings over 179 games of elite-level experience across the NRL, Super League, Indigenous All Stars, and Australian Prime Minister’s XIII. Paterson said: "I’m excited to reunite with Woolly and help grow rugby league in the US, where the potential is massive."
Women’s National Team
Troy Clarkson has been appointed Head Coach of the USA Women’s National Team, bringing 20 years of elite rugby league experience across NRL systems including the Dolphins, Wests Tigers, Canberra Raiders, Parramatta Eels, and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Clarkson is renowned for talent identification, player development, and creating high-performance environments.
The focus is on lifting standards, strengthening pathways, and positioning the USA Women’s team for long-term success," Clarkson said. "We are committed to developing players both on and off the field, fostering accountability, creating opportunities, and providing education to build a strong, sustainable and competitive program."
Under-19 Men’s National Team
Ray Pua, a respected figure in American rugby, will lead the USA Under-19 Men’s National Team. Pua has extensive experience in player development, including his work with Belmont Shore Rugby Club youth programs. He is a former USA Tomahawk, Junior Kiwi, and Samoa representative. As a coach, he has guided the Belmont Shore U18 Girls to back-to-back USA National Championships in 2024 and 2025, and led the U18 Boys to a State Championship in 2015.
"Developing young American athletes and helping them reach their potential at the national level is something I’m deeply passionate about," Pua said.
All coaches are now preparing for the international matches against Scotland on 27 February 2026 in Las Vegas, with squads to be announced later this month.