Seven-time Mosconi Cup champion Darren Appleton has called for legendary coach Johan Ruijsink to be re-elected as American captain ahead of next year’s event in Orlando, Florida.
Ruijsink won six Mosconi Cup titles as European captain between 2007 and 2014, and later captained the American team to two shock successes in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
The Dutchman recently declared his interest in returning as the American skipper via social media, with Matchroom Pool boss Emily Frazer responding with, ‘If your asking fee isn’t bigger than the players then we can have a discussion’.
Ruijsink would have a strenuous task on his hands should he make an unexpected return, as the USA have been defeated six times in succession, including three 11-3 routs during that timespan.
Ruijsink is one of the most esteemed coaches in professional pool, having played a crucial role in the rise of Fedor Gorst to world number one and more recently Pijus Labutis becoming the Hanoi Open champion.
Appleton, who was given his Mosconi Cup debut by Ruijsink in 2009 and received the MVP award a year later, believes that his former skipper needs to return for the Americans to stand a fighting chance.
“It’s essential really. I don’t know why he stopped in the first place. He’s just massive for the team,” Appleton told the Doggin’ It podcast.
“He’s going to bring discipline and that’s number one, he’s going to bring structure to the team, he’s going to make sure they’re ready throughout the year.
“He will have three or four guys that he knows are going to be on the team very early, so he’ll be working with those guys all season. They’ll be having get-togethers two or three times a year, making sure they’re all on the same page.
“He will be doing a lot of planning, playing a lot of doubles, making sure they’re doing all the right things off the table. He will make sure they are together one week before the cup and make sure that they prepare properly. They’ll act as a team, they’ll be together as a team 24/7, not just show up just before the matches.
“For example, I think it was on day three at Alexandra Palace, it was like 4.30pm, I was having dinner with some friends and one of the American players was in the restaurant with his friends and family.
“I remember thinking: ‘why are you still here?’. He should’ve been with his team, he was playing in two hours. It’s stuff like that. I thought it was a bit strange.
“That would’ve never happened with the European team, and especially Johan, you’d be getting knocked on the door. You’re basically there to try and win the Mosconi Cup and you’re getting paid pretty good money.
“You should be with the team from the minute you open your eyes until when the final ball goes in on an evening. I can understand if it’s the afternoon and you want a little break from the team, but two hours before the team is about to start.
“When I played we’d be at the venue at least two hours before because you’ve got a lot of media to do and obviously you’ve got to practice and everything.
“All that is down to discipline, and discipline and structure is the key with Johan. He’ll make sure that they’re in line, get them all together on one page, and that’s what it’s all about.”
The 2026 staging of the Mosconi Cup takes place from November 27-30 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, as the USA attempt to scupper their six-year losing streak.
