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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

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