Rugby Australia (RA) conducted a review of the national program after the defending Olympic champion women finished fifth while the men's team placed seventh.

The review found that greater alignment was needed between the 15-a-side and sevens programs, across both men's and women's player pathways, coaching as well as strength and conditioning.

RA has now advertised for both head coach positions with the incumbents - men's coach Tim Walsh and women's coach John Manenti - invited to formally reapply.

The positions will be in place from January 1, 2022 until the end of the 2024 season, with the teams contesting the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next July while the sevens World Cup will be played in Cape Town in September.

RA boss Andy Marinos said the country' program needed to improve to capitalise on the popularity of sevens.

"We conducted a detailed and thorough review after what was a disappointing campaign at the Olympics this year," he said.

"This process has provided us with a clear idea of the priorities around each program, and how this aligns with the broader high performance strategy we are working through.

"Rugby sevens is a popular pathway and entry into the sport in Australia, particularly the women's game, and it's important we continue to capitalise on that growth and convert it into elite level success."

The 2021-22 World Rugby sevens series begins in Dubai next month with both Walsh and Manenti to remain in charge of their respective teams for the first two legs of the season.

Australian Associated Press