The Rugby NorCal Podcast

Longtime rugby journalist and analyst Alex Goff joins host Nate Dalena for a wide-ranging discussion about American rugby, from the international game to grassroots development.

USA Rugby and the Road to 2031

Alex discusses Scott Lawrence's approach to building the USA Men's Eagles, including developing younger American players, establishing a physical playing identity, and preparing for the 2031 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

The conversation also covers the USA Women's Eagles under Jack Clark and the importance of creating a positive, high-performance environment.

College Rugby Rankings and Recruiting

How does Alex Goff determine the top college rugby teams in the country? Alex explains his rankings process, including strength of schedule, quality wins, and the context behind results.

They also discuss the financial pressures facing some colleges and why prospective student-athletes should evaluate more than scholarship offers when choosing a rugby program.

High School Rugby and the Northern California Model

Nate and Alex examine what makes Northern California a strong rugby region, including its concentration of clubs, competitive opportunities, and tiered championship structure.

They discuss how smaller clubs can develop players while competing at an appropriate level and how former players returning as coaches strengthen the rugby community.

Growing Rugby from the Ground Up

The episode concludes with a discussion about introducing rugby to younger children, particularly ages 4–6, through recreational and non-contact programs.

Chapter times are approximate, based on the recording summary.

Follow Rugby NorCal

Website: https://rugbynorcal.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rugbynorcal

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USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren joins Rugby NorCal Executive Director Nathan Dalena for a conversation about where American rugby is headed and what needs to happen now to build sustainable growth.

Bill outlines USA Rugby’s core responsibilities, from governance and player safety to supporting the community game and developing coaches and referees. He also discusses the importance of creating a rugby ecosystem that keeps people involved in the sport beyond their playing careers.

A major focus of the conversation is USA Rugby’s investment in college rugby. Bill explains why the college game is such an important connection point between youth rugby, senior clubs, and the high-performance pathway, as well as the development of a dedicated team to support college rugby operations, events, and marketing.

Nathan and Bill also discuss youth and high school rugby, and efforts to establish rugby as a varsity sport in the States.

The conversation expands into marketing and visibility, including national broadcasts, short-form social media, local activation around major matches, and the role clubs can play by connecting national rugby stories to athletes in their own communities.

With the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles followed by the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup in the United States, the discussion focuses on building the infrastructure now so American rugby can take advantage of those opportunities for years to come.

In this episode:

• USA Rugby’s priorities and responsibilities
• Growing the community game
• Investment in college rugby
• Youth and high school rugby grants
• Varsity rugby and institutional support
• Coaching and referee development
• Marketing and national visibility
• Local storytelling and community engagement
• Professionalizing rugby organizations
• Creating sustainable pathways beyond playing
• Preparing for 2028, 2031, and 2033
• Collaboration between USA Rugby and local rugby organizations

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-carone-52145778/

What we cover:

• Where parental pressure really comes from
• How identity and ego show up in youth sports
• Why kids value development over winning
• The “24-hour rule” and why it matters
• What kids actually want out of sports
• The current youth sports landscape and where it is heading
• How organizations can create better environments for athletes

Key Takeaways:

Parental Pressure is Identity Driven
A lot of pressure comes from parents tying their self-worth to their child’s performance. This often leads to behaviors that hurt both enjoyment and development.

Winning is Not the Priority for Kids
Research shows kids would rather lose in a growth-focused environment than win in one centered only on results.

The 24-Hour Rule
Avoid giving immediate feedback after games. Let athletes decompress and come to you if they want input.

Fun Drives Retention
Kids stay in sports when they are:

• Playing with friends
• Competing
• Learning new skills
• Supported by adults

Youth Sports Needs a Reset
The system has become overly focused on outcomes, travel, and cost. There is a shift happening back toward development and balance.

Why it matters for Rugby NorCal:
This conversation reinforces the direction we are taking as an organization:

• Development over standings at younger ages
• Long-term athlete growth
• Creating environments where players want to stay in the game

Action Items:

• Parents: Focus on support, not coaching
• Coaches: Set expectations early with families
• Clubs: Continue building development-first environments

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Key Topics

NorCal Pipeline

• ~80% of the roster comes from California
• Strong ties to Jesuit, Danville, SFGG, Marin, and more
• Kyle’s background as a Granite Bay national champion

Program Identity

• Blue-collar mentality
• Physical, high-effort rugby
• Culture built on camaraderie and accountability

Player Development

• Recruiting “rugby players,” not positions
• Position changes to get the best 15 on the field
• Young roster with long-term upside

Training Environment

• Year-round indoor training facility
• Structured, high-intensity sessions
• Built-in academic balance with winter downtime

Strength & Conditioning

• Same S&C structure as Boise State Football
• Led by high-level performance staff

Scholarship Opportunity (WUI)

• 3.5+ GPA = automatic qualification
• $16,000 per year for four years
• No SAT/ACT required
• In many cases, more affordable than in-state California schools

Why Boise

• Safe, clean city
• Strong academics (Business, Nursing, Construction Management)
• Access to outdoors, travel, and big-time college atmosphere

Recruiting Links

• Website: https://www.boisestatemensrugby.com/
• Next Phase: https://app.nextphaserugby.com/dashboard/about-school
• Recruiting Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNvaKll5OPvfw70nyEX0oZ1T2KhCiWUZuk2FSi6HNfyyxXsA/viewform?usp=header

Closing Thought

Boise State Rugby isn’t trying to be flashy.

They’re building a team that’s tough, physical, and connected. And with the pipeline they’re tapping into, don’t be surprised when they’re competing at the national level in the next few years.

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Key Topics

Brendo’s rugby journey

• Starting at San Francisco Golden Gate as a sophomore

• Lessons from coaches Mike Caravelli and Tony Wells

• The influence of the “15 vs 15” philosophy

Saint Mary’s College rugby

• Why he chose Saint Mary’s

• The impact of Tim O’Brien and the program’s culture

• The power of the alumni network

Building a coaching career

• Volunteering for seven years at Saint Mary’s

• Joining the USA U20 pathway

• Learning foundational coaching from J.D. Stevenson

Entering professional rugby

• Assistant coach and academy role with the Austin Gilgronis

• Working with international coaches and learning professional systems

• Experience coaching in Super Rugby Americas with the American Raptors

Utah Warriors and MLR coaching

• Role as Attack and Backs Coach

• Team success leading the league in tries and points

• What it takes to run a professional weekly training cycle

Player development in the United States

• The importance of core skills

• Why players must be able to carry, pass, and kick

• How watching professional rugby improves decision making

The future of professional rugby in the US

• MLR’s reset to a smaller league

• More opportunities for American players

• The importance of community support for the league and national team

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Episode Overview

Nate sits down with Alex Goff of Goff Rugby Report to break down the current state of high school and college rugby, with a focus on NorCal’s competitive depth and what it takes to reach Nationals.

NorCal Parity

Both the Premier club division and Single School Open division are wide open. Multiple programs are capable of winning championships, which makes rankings volatile but raises the overall standard week to week.

College Rugby Growth

Programs like Grand Canyon University and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are rising through strong coaching, affordability, and early playing opportunities. Parity at the college level continues to grow nationwide.

Nationals Selection Criteria

Financial stability, early application, strength of schedule, sportsmanship, and roster integrity all matter. Preparation for Nationals starts long before playoffs.
Strategic Scheduling

NorCal programs are encouraged to plan now for MLK and Presidents Day 2027 matchups, especially with cold-weather teams seeking tours. Cross-regional play strengthens teams and builds relationships.

For coverage updates or corrections, contact Alex directly at:

agoff@goffrugbyreport.com

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In this episode of the Rugby NorCal Podcast, we spotlight the University of California, Santa Cruz Rugby program and what makes it one of the most compelling D1A club rugby programs in the country.

UCSC Rugby competes weekly against varsity powerhouses while maintaining a gritty, athlete-led culture rooted in accountability, adaptability, and academic excellence. The discussion covers the program’s identity, recruiting standards, and long-term development model for student-athletes.

What You’ll Learn:

What it means to compete at the D1A level as a club program

The “Skill, Systems, Mindset” coaching philosophy and how it develops versatile, decision-making players

How UCSC supports late-entry rugby athletes and long-term development

The impact of the Black and Gold Society, UCSC Rugby’s alumni network providing funding and career mentorship

Academic and rugby expectations for prospective student-athletes (3.5+ GPA, 16–20 hrs/week rugby commitment)

Positions currently being recruited for D1A competition

Featured Player Pathway:

Former Slug Jackson Zabierek shares how UCSC helped him transition from a high-school football player into a complete rugby athlete, ultimately reaching Major League Rugby with the Chicago Hounds.

Recruiting Information:

Prospective players are encouraged to:

Create a profile on Next Phase Rugby

Email UCSC Rugby staff with “Rugby” in the subject line

Visit slugrugby.com

This episode is a must-listen for high-academic student-athletes, parents, coaches, and alumni interested in collegiate rugby pathways and sustainable program building.

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What You’ll Hear in This Episode

1. Inside Syracuse’s High-Performance Rugby Environment

How Syracuse evolved from a participation-focused club to a performance-level program in about two years.

Overview of facilities: dedicated rugby field with lights, on-site weight room, and a full-time strength & conditioning coach.

The role of nutrition, mental skills, and off-field development in their weekly rhythm.

2. The Leinster Rugby Partnership

Origin story: how Syracuse alumni connections led to a relationship with Leinster Rugby.

What Leinster brings: coaching clinics, a player development framework, and a model for building homegrown talent.

How the partnership shapes training design, standards, and long-term pathways for Syracuse players.

3. Program Structure and Player Experience

Weekly load:

5 practices per week (around 2 hours per session)

2 dedicated weight-lifting sessions

How coaches support players in balancing academics with rugby (class schedules, communication, and accountability).

What it looks like for different levels of experience:

Brand-new players finding their footing

Established college players looking to grow

MLR and national team prospects seeking a performance environment

4. Team Culture and Standards

The values that drive behavior on and off the field.

How player accountability shows up: attendance, standards, and peer leadership.

The shift from “show up and play” to “compete, improve, and own your development.”

5. Pathways, Community, and Giving Back

Syracuse fields three men’s sides and one women’s side, creating playing opportunities for roughly 60–70 athletes.

Youth and community outreach:

Camps reaching 400+ kids

Coaching education for 135+ youth coaches

Why community involvement matters for player growth and program sustainability.

6. Recruiting and How NorCal Players Can Get Involved

What Syracuse is looking for in recruits:

Motivation and willingness to compete

Coachability and growth mindset

Fit with the team’s culture and values

The range of academic majors represented and how the team functions as an academic support network.

Practical next steps for interested players from Northern California.

Who This Episode Is For

High school players who want a serious rugby environment with strong academic support.

Parents and coaches in Northern California helping athletes explore college options.

Club and high school coaches curious about how a college program builds culture and performance standards.

How to Learn More / Get Recruited

Program Info: Visit Syracuse University Rugby’s website for roster, schedule, and program details.

Recruiting Contact:

Colin O’Hare – Leinster Rugby / Syracuse partnership contact

Email: Colin.OHare@leinsterrugby.ie (as shared on the episode)

Next Steps for Interested Players:

Listen to the full episode to hear exactly what the staff is looking for.

Reach out with your rugby background, academic interests, and highlight film if available.

Consider attending Leinster/Syracuse camps or clinics to experience the environment firsthand.

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Western Washington Rugby operates a high performance D1AA program that mirrors a varsity-style experience. With daily training, film study, and strength work, the program prepares players for top-level domestic and Canadian competition. Head coach Adam Roberts leads a strong staff and an alumni-supported infrastructure that elevates both on-field development and off-field growth.

Program Structure and Coaching

Adam Roberts is in his first full year as a paid head coach after years of volunteer involvement

Coaching staff includes former national team coaches and former high-level players

Strong alumni network and university support help sustain program growth

Players benefit from stipends, resources, and access to quality facilities

Player Training and Development

Daily schedule includes field sessions, gym work, film review, and recovery

Coaches push players to think clearly under pressure and understand tactical systems

Players speak to a major jump in fitness demands from high school to WWU

Academic support, study groups, and accountability structures are built into the program

Competition and Travel

Regular matches against leading Canadian universities such as UBC and Victoria

Full conference schedule across the Pacific Northwest

Bi-annual international tours, with upcoming travel planned for Ireland and England

Working to increase games against top D1A programs like Cal, Saint Mary’s, and Arizona

Team plays one of the highest game counts in college rugby nationwide

Recruiting Priorities

Mental toughness and grit

Work ethic and daily accountability

Versatility across multiple positions

Players who push teammates while adding to a positive team culture

Staff encourages recruits to join calls, ask questions, and explore fit

Team Culture

Professional environment with clear standards and expectations

Focus on long-term personal development, not only rugby performance

Commitment to academics and building habits that transfer beyond sport

Balance of hard work, competition, and genuine fun within the squad

How to Connect

Instagram: @WWRugby

Website: www.wwurugby.org

Coach Roberts open for Zoom conversations with interested recruits

Program conducts yearly recruiting trips into Northern and Southern California

Athletes encouraged to connect through the Next Phase Rugby platform

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In this episode of the Rugby NorCal Podcast, host Nate Dalena sits down with Will Hooley, former USA Eagle, Saracens and Northampton Saints professional, and current Major League Rugby Technical Director.

Will shares stories from his playing career in England and the United States, including his experience at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and opens up about his transition from player to media and league operations. Together, Nate and Will explore the growth of rugby in the U.S., the current landscape of MLR, and what young players, coaches, and parents can do to help the game thrive.

Highlights include:

Will Hooley’s path from youth rugby in the UK to representing the USA Eagles

Behind-the-scenes perspective from the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan

How Major League Rugby is restructuring for long-term stability and domestic player development

The importance of developing rugby IQ early and building strong grassroots programs

Preparing for the 2027 and 2031 Rugby World Cups

Why the U.S. needs more certified coaches and referees

Insights on staying positive, competing in the classroom, and planning life beyond playing

Key Takeaways:

Developing rugby IQ early helps players succeed at every level

MLR is focused on long-term sustainability and U.S. player growth

Positivity, consistency, and belief drive progress in American rugby

Coaches and referees are essential for growing the game

About Will Hooley:

Will Hooley represented both England U20 and the USA Men’s National Team, playing at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He has competed for Saracens, Northampton Saints, Bedford Blues, and San Diego Legion, and now works in broadcasting and technical leadership for Major League Rugby, helping shape the future of rugby in the United States.

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Key Takeaways

Work Ethic Over Raw Talent: Players who consistently perform at 75–80% often surpass the “flashes of brilliance” players who are inconsistent.

Integrated Skill Development: Every training element (gym, conditioning, skills) should build decision-making and rugby IQ.

Games-Based Conditioning: Using continuous, high-intensity play improves fitness, skills, and decision-making under fatigue more effectively than isolated drills.

Culture First: A positive, hardworking team culture can elevate even less naturally talented groups into strong contenders.

Holistic Assessment: Evaluating players across psychology, movement, strength, conditioning, and skill leads to more complete development.

Success Stories

At the Brumbies Academy, progression to Super Rugby jumped from under 5% to 25% during his tenure.

At the University of Queensland Academy, 17 of 39 “overlooked” players advanced to Super Rugby or higher.

Turned around teams like Canberra Grammar School (from expected blowouts to a grand final) and a Scottsdale, USA side (from winless to National Div 3 finalists in two years).

Coaching Insights

Avoid rigid structures like 1-3-3-1 that can restrict decision-making.

Encourage support-based structures and player freedom to make choices (e.g. counter-attacking from deep).

Embrace variety in training to meet the needs of different players and teams.

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Andrew Cook will be running two lineout sessions at the Summit, helping coaches sharpen their vision, define their non-negotiables, and build efficient lineout systems that spark scoring opportunities.

We cover:

Andrew’s coaching background and growth at St. Mary’s

His approach to developing rugby IQ and player ownership

The evolution of his coaching communication style

Why the lineout remains the most critical set piece in modern rugby

What coaches can expect from his sessions at the Summit

🎟️ Register for the Rugby Development Summit and secure early bird pricing until October 1 at https://rugbysummit.com

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Darryl shares his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where team culture develops naturally rather than being dictated. He highlights the value of profiling players and teams to tailor coaching approaches, stressing that knowing players personally helps in building stronger, more cohesive teams.

Listeners will also get a preview of Darryl’s summit content:

Day 1 will focus on framing rugby concepts, assessing teams, and developing game plans.

Day 2 will dive into team environments, culture in practice, and bringing learnings into team runs.

He also explores how coaching styles differ across cultures, from Japan to the Pacific Islands, and why it’s important for coaches to develop player decision-making regardless of background.

Finally, Darryl stresses the importance of networking and continued learning, encouraging coaches to build lasting relationships, share ideas, and connect across different coaching levels.

Key Takeaway: Attendees should come to the Summit prepared with goals and questions, ready to learn, connect, and grow.

🎟️ Early bird registration closes October 1st.

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Topics

Recap of 2024 Rugby Development Summit

Rusty introduced games like 50-22, Rondo, and the banking game

Headband technique helped make players feel seen and improved team dynamics

Emphasis on problem-solving and giving players autonomy in decision-making

Coaches maintained contact with Rusty throughout the year, extending learning

Rusty's Recent Coaching Experiences

Traveled extensively: Iceland, Boston, Spain, Vancouver Island, Seattle, Amsterdam

Upcoming engagements: Coaches Voice Conference (Vegas), Women in Rugby Conference (Denver)

Implemented games like "Park the Bus" successfully in recent coaching sessions

Plans for 2025 Rugby Development Summit

Introduction of "Park the Bus" game, which focuses on defensive strategies in the 22-meter area

Continued emphasis on coaching communication skills (e.g., 4-level framework: name, action, timing, visual cues)

Focus on coaching individuals within team settings

Exploration of "ball out of play" skills and match-day coaching techniques

Rugby NorCal Updates

Solidified position as largest state youth governing body in the country

Hiring staff for competition management

Working to professionalize and improve the spectacle of rugby events

Next Steps

Finalize agenda for 2025 Rugby Development Summit

Coordinate with St. Mary's Gaels rugby team for demonstrations

Rusty to prepare "Park the Bus" game and other new coaching techniques

Encourage coaches to register at RugbySummit.com for the 2025 event

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🔑 Key Takeaways:

Nearly 40% of D1A college rugby games were decided by 9 points or fewer, showing rising parity.

St. Ignatius (Cleveland) and Charlotte Cardinals are strong favorites heading into nationals, but several contenders could shake up the field.

Playing tougher schedules, attending camps/tours, and focusing on long-term player development are critical for teams seeking national recognition.

1. College Rugby Season Recap

Cal vs. Life: Cal wins D1A National Championship

No team went undefeated in D1A

Nearly half of top matchups were close contests

Notable program improvements: UCSB, Cal State Long Beach, Mount St. Mary’s

Emphasis on growing domestic talent alongside international athletes

2. High School Rugby Landscape

St. Francis (NorCal), Torrey Pines & Cathedral Catholic (SoCal) maintained rankings despite early season end

St. Ignatius (Cleveland) showed dominance across top-tier matchups

Surprise risers

NorCal Premier League: Over one-third of games decided by close margins

3. How Teams Can Level Up

Play tougher opponents—even at the risk of losing

Encourage players to join select sides and off-season camps

Create player exchange/tour opportunities (e.g. Oliver Kirk’s NZ tour)

Develop players across all age groups, not just high school varsity

4. Nationals Preview

Club Tier 1: Charlotte Cardinals are the team to beat

Single School: St. Ignatius (Cleveland) enters as favorite, with Herriman in close pursuit

Tier 2 Dark Horse: Fort Hunt (VA) highlighted for their explosive and unpredictable style

5. Next Steps for Coaches & Programs

Review schedules to include out-of-region matches for national exposure

Promote player participation in camps, academies, and tours

Support ongoing growth of competitive rugby across all U.S. regions

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Key Takeaways:

• UW Rugby offers partial scholarships and tagged applications that provide recruits an admissions advantage.

• Daily training, academic support, and rehab services reflect a high-performance environment.

• Character, academics, and work ethic are the cornerstones of Wheaton’s recruiting philosophy.

• Strong informal ties to the Seattle Seawolves (MLR), including coaching support and player development opportunities.

Topics Covered:

• Will Wheaton’s rugby journey: From Shawnigan Lake to head coach at just 22

• The rise of UW Rugby: Post-COVID growth, alumni backing, and climbing the conference ranks

• A look at the UW player schedule: Field sessions, gym, film, medical, and study tables

• MLR connections: Support from Seawolves players and coaching staff

• Recruiting the right players: Focus on character, academics, and team-first mentality

• Scholarships and support: Alumni-funded aid and tagged applications

Get Involved:

Players interested in learning more or beginning the recruitment process should email coach@huskyrugby.com or visit http://www.huskyrugby.com/

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Recruitment Form CLICK HERE

Topics

Matt Sherman's Rugby Background

Started playing rugby in high school at Piedmont, California

Played at Cal, winning 4 national championships

Continued rugby career at Oxford while getting master's degree

Began coaching early, including high school team while at Cal

Army West Point Rugby Program

Typical cadet schedule: classes, formations, team meals, afternoon training

Practice schedule: Mon (weights/film), Tue-Wed (intense field work), Thu (gym/mental), Fri (team run)

Program values: trust, commitment, love - doing the right thing, giving best effort, putting team first

2022 National Championship factors: strong leadership, culture improvements post-COVID, depth, few injuries

Recruiting for Army Rugby

Look for character first - attitude, effort, living team values

Physical ability is secondary to character traits

Recruitment process:

Junior year: Winter webinar, start application in February

Senior year: Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) week, July 7-10 summer camp

Encourage talking to Army officers/West Point grads in community

Next Steps

Check show notes for Matt Sherman's contact info and recruitment questionnaire

Consider attending Army's Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) for rising seniors

Look into Army's summer rugby camp July 7-10 (details coming soon)

Watch for Army vs Cal Berkeley match on March 15th

Continue efforts to grow rugby at all levels to positively influence more lives

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Reach out to Troy: troy@clemsonrugby.com

Topics

Troy Hall's Rugby Journey

Started playing rugby at age 5 in New Zealand

Moved to the USA, played for various clubs including White Plains and Old Blue

Selected for USA Eagles in both 7s (2008) and 15s, playing until 2015

Transitioned to coaching, including roles with Rugby Oregon and Oregon State

Clemson Rugby Program Development

Troy took over as Director of Rugby in 2020 during COVID-19

Focused on building relationships, engaging players, and establishing a strong culture

Introduced "Mahi" concept (meaning "to work hard") as a cornerstone of team culture

Developed a professional-like environment with dedicated facilities and support systems

Player Development and Recruitment

Looks for players with resilience, fitness, and willingness to learn

Offers individualized skill development and video analysis

Runs a remote high-performance academy (Mahi) for holistic athlete development

Actively recruits through website and direct communication with Troy

Clemson Rugby Foundation and Alumni Network

Foundation supports operational needs, coaching, and field maintenance

Recently improved engagement through live streaming of games

Working on building a sustainable program with long-term staff and resources

Rugby Schedule and Structure

Fall season focuses on 15s, typically 8-9 games

Spring season dedicated to 7s, with 7-8 tournaments scheduled

Next Steps

Check Clemson Rugby website (clemsonrugby.com) for updated recruitment information

Consider applying to Troy's Mahi high-performance program at hallconsultants.com

Reach out directly to Troy at troy@clemsonrugby.com for recruitment inquiries

Look out for potential Clemson Rugby visit to NorCal for recruitment and networking

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Key Takeaways

USA Youth and High School Rugby, formed in 2021, has significantly improved youth rugby's positioning and representation

Key initiatives include high-performance partnerships, coaching education (Six Degrees), and developing a comprehensive player pathway

Current focus is on building foundations for scalable growth, aiming for 1 million youth players in the future

Challenges include geographic spread and competition with established U.S. sports, but rugby community engagement is a key strength

Topics

Giovanni Valetti's Rugby Background

Born in South Africa to Italian grandparents

First rugby experience: 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa

Moved to U.S., studied sports management

Became Executive Director of SoCal Rugby in 2018 before joining USA Youth and High School Rugby

Formation and Structure of USA Youth and High School Rugby

Created in 2021 following USA Rugby's restructuring

501(c)(3) organization focused on youth and high school rugby

Board structure with regional representation

Aims to insulate youth game from potential issues at higher levels

Provides more direct representation for youth rugby interests

Current Initiatives and Programs

High Performance Partnership with U.S. national teams

Six Degrees coaching education platform

Imagine Rugby (non-contact introductory program)

Working on integrated strategic plan for player pathway

Focus on mass participation and skill development

Challenges and Opportunities

Geographic spread makes competition and travel difficult

Need to compete with established U.S. sports for participants

Current player base is substantial compared to some rugby nations

Opportunity to leverage upcoming World Cups (2031, 2033) for growth

Building sustainable structures for post-World Cup growth

Community Engagement and Retention

Rugby community provides networking, job opportunities, and lifelong connections

Focus on retaining players as coaches, referees, and administrators

Working to improve communication and engagement with clubs and players

Encouraging content sharing from clubs and state organizations for social media

Next Steps

Continue developing and promoting Six Degrees coaching platform

Expand high-performance initiatives and player pathways

Improve marketing and communication to showcase YHS Rugby's work

Encourage more content sharing from clubs and state organizations

Focus on building sustainable structures for long-term growth beyond 2033 World Cups

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Key Takeaways

Girls youth rugby is experiencing significant growth

Increased number of single-school rugby teams emerging across the US

USA Rugby's "Moonshot" goal aims for World Cup quarterfinals in 2031, with improved talent identification and development pathways

College rugby programs are adapting to demographic changes and exploring new recruitment strategies

Topics

Growth in High School Rugby

Girls youth and high school rugby seeing explosive growth

Boys high school rugby continuing steady growth

Increase in single-school teams, including public schools in Northern California, Southern California, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida

Positive impact of on-campus rugby programs for recruitment and sustainability

Player Development and National Team Pathways

USA Rugby implementing virtual academy and talent ID camps across the country

Improved tracking and follow-up systems for identified players

Virtual academy provides specific feedback on skills and areas for improvement

Emphasis on proactive communication from players to coaches and selectors

Women's rugby allows for later entry into high-level play compared to men's

College Rugby Landscape

Enrollment cliff affecting college admissions, particularly for young men

Two-year programs like American River College and Iowa Central providing alternative pathways

D1A programs investing in high-level coaches to improve competitiveness

Importance of building depth and developing B-side players for program sustainability

Notable Players and Programs

Players to watch: Max Colson (Charlotte Cardinals), Spencer Huntley, Mark French (St. Ignatius), Jack Patek (Jesuit Sacramento)

College programs of interest: American River College, Iowa Central, UNC Chapel Hill, Cal Poly, UCLA

High School Rankings and Nationals

Goff Rugby Report releases preseason top 50 boys high school rankings

Rankings based on previous year's performance, returning players, and program trajectory

National championships in Elkhart, Indiana provide excellent playing conditions and affordable accommodations

Next Steps

Submit applications for high school national championships by February 1st

Watch for emerging single-school programs and their impact on local rugby scenes

Monitor the progress of USA Rugby's talent identification and development initiatives

Keep an eye on college programs adapting to demographic changes and new coaching hires

http://worldrugbyshop.com/

http://rugbynorcal.org/

goffrugbyreport.com