Gordon Tietjens

Gordon Tietjens' coaching and motivation of the world Champion Seven's side has made him a legend in the sport. He has four Commonwealth Games Gold Medals to prove it! Since its inception in 1999 until 2005 the world Seven's competition has been contested and won every time by New Zealand and Coach Gordon. The Commonwealth Games has featured the Sevens in four Games, Manchester 1998, Kuala Lumpur 2002, Melbourne 2006 and Delhi in 2010. Gordon has coached his team to win each of the four Gold Medals.

In 1999 his efforts were recognised by being awarded the NZ Order of Merit in the New Years Honours List.

Gordon Tietjens is known for his no nonsense leadership style and his uncanny ability to spot raw new talent. In fact he's so good that the New Zealand Rugby Union use him to recruit for their 15 a side teams. His energy and determination have helped produce some of New Zealand's greatest rugby talent in players like Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu and Joe Rokocoko to name but a few. Together with long time captain Eric Rush, Gordon has revolutionised the way the game is played and is the best known international team in the game.

Gordon has so many experiences to talk about on and off the field that his presentations appeal to sporting and non-sporting people alike. Whether it's the motivation he injects into his teams, his refusal to accept anything but the best from his players, or his absolute belief in his ability to pick and coach people to be the best they can be. Gordon Tietjens is a remarkable man with a remarkable track record in sport and working with winning teams.

In May 2006 Gordon Tietjens released his first book "Titch: Sevens is my game: The Gordon Story " which will no doubt be a workbook for many teams wishing to emulate Gordon's coaching style.