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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: [email protected]

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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 [email protected] 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

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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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Goffrugbyreport.com

[email protected]

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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Chris O'Brien's Rugby Background

Grew up in a rugby family, father played at Stanford in the 1950s

Started playing at 14-15 years old with the Old Blues club

Played multiple sports (football, water skiing) which contributed to his rugby development

Represented the USA Eagles national team

Transitioned into coaching after playing, including youth, high school, college, and international levels

Cal Poly Rugby Program Development

O'Brien is in his 4th year as head coach

Focused on building team culture and skill development

Scheduling tougher opponents (BYU, Central Washington, Army) to challenge players

Balancing academics and rugby, with high GPA requirements for admission (3.6-4.2 depending on major)

Training and Player Development

Emphasis on basic skill development and repetition

Incorporates video analysis sessions to improve player understanding

Pushes players in training to simulate game fatigue and decision-making

Utilizes men's club matches to expose players to higher-level competition

Recruitment and Admissions

Program is attracting more interest from potential players

Admissions are highly competitive (1 in 10 applicants accepted)

Cannot tag or influence admissions as a club sport

Many players come from the Bay Area

Future Plans and Opportunities

Considering organizing summer camps to develop youth rugby in the area

Building relationships with the Cal Poly football program for potential crossover athletes

Exploring ways to improve fundraising to support team travel and experiences

Next Steps

Prepare for upcoming tough stretch of games (Central Washington, St. Mary's, Santa Barbara, Army, UCLA)

Continue to develop relationships with Cal Poly football program for potential player crossover

Investigate possibilities for organizing summer rugby camps in San Luis Obispo

Maintain focus on academics and encourage prospective players to prioritize grades for admission

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USA Rugby has launched a Virtual Academy to connect with and develop players nationwide

Players should focus on building good habits and creating a positive learning environment for themselves

The talent ID process looks at athletic testing, rugby skills, and intangibles like communication and body language

There's a clear pathway from U18 to U20 to senior national teams, but players can enter at various points

Topics

USA Rugby Pathway Overview

Goal is to reach World Cup quarterfinals by 2031 ("moonshot" program)

Pathway extends from U15 to U23 age groups

Virtual Academy launched to engage players year-round

In-person talent ID camps and assemblies for U18 and U20 teams

Players given feedback and development plans after camp

Player Development Focus

Emphasis on building good habits and routines from a young age

Players encouraged to create positive learning environments for themselves

Importance of being coachable and honest about areas for improvement

Technical skills, athleticism, and intangibles like communication all evaluated

Talent Identification Process

Talent ID camps test 10m/40m sprints and standing broad jump

Rugby skills assessed through drills and small-sided games

Coaches evaluate decision-making, spatial awareness, and execution under pressure

Player body language and communication also factored in

Long-Term Vision

Establish permanent regional training centers across the U.S.

Increase number of assemblies and staff to compete at top international level

Use 2031 World Cup as launching point for further growth of rugby in America

Connect more directly with players/coaches to provide resources and answer questions

Next Steps

Players should engage with Virtual Academy if interested in pathway

Prepare for upcoming NorCal talent ID camps on Jan 25 and March 23

Coaches/players encouraged to reach out directly to USA Rugby staff with questions

Continue building towards 2031 World Cup "moonshot" goal

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Justin Hickey's Rugby Background

Started playing rugby in high school after football season ended

Continued playing at Central Michigan University

Transitioned to coaching, starting with his high school team while playing club rugby

Pursued a master's in education and school counseling, leading to college coaching opportunities

Coached at Davenport University and Clemson before becoming head coach at Notre Dame in 2016

Notre Dame Rugby Program Structure

Competes in NCR (National Collegiate Rugby) for 15s in fall/winter and 7s in spring

Full-time commitment for varsity players with 5-6 days per week of training/games

Typical week includes gym sessions, film review, and field practices

Maintains both varsity and JV sides to provide playing opportunities for all skill levels

Emphasizes player-driven leadership and culture-building

Current Season and Future Goals

6-1 record so far this season, with upcoming Big Ten playoffs

Aiming for consistent top-8 or top-4 finishes in NCR 15s

Goals to continue strong performances in 7s tournaments, including CRC

Recruiting and Admissions Process

Uses a prospective player form on their website to initiate contact

Works closely with university admissions counselors

Assists interested students through the application process, including essay feedback

Targets academically strong athletes from various backgrounds, not limited to Catholic schools

Benefits of Notre Dame Rugby

Combination of high-level academics, competitive rugby, and Division I athletic atmosphere

Strong alumni network and support

Opportunities in both 15s and 7s rugby

[email protected]  -  Reach out to Justin Today!  

https://rugby.nd.edu/recruits/      

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Gavin Hickie's Rugby Background

Grew up in a rugby family in Dublin, Ireland with father and cousin playing for Ireland national team

Played professionally for 10 years including for Leinster, London Irish, Worcester, and Leicester Tigers

Came to the U.S. to play for Belmont Shore, which led to coaching opportunities

Naval Academy Rugby Program

Became head coach in 2017, transitioned program to varsity status

Won national championship in first varsity season going 18-0

Emphasizes fitness, set-piece play, kicking game, and developing skillful backs

Rigorous daily schedule for players balancing academics, military training, and rugby

Recruits driven individuals who want to serve and excel in rugby

Player Development Philosophy

Focuses on character development and preparing players for military service

Uses historical military battles as themes to teach lessons applicable to rugby

Measures success by performance metrics and player growth, not just wins

Values time spent together as a team as much as on-field achievements

Notable Players Coached

Madison Hughes (USA 7s captain) - Subtle, inspiring leader who led by example

Lewis Gray - Aggressive, vocal leader who pushed teammates hard

Connor McNerney - Mentally tough, refused to give up

Emphasizes different leadership styles can be effective

Advice for Aspiring Players

Naval Academy offers unique opportunity to develop as leader and rugby player

Application process is rigorous, requires strong academics and desire to serve

Rugby community and alumni network provide lifelong connections and support

Players should embrace their individual leadership style while committing to team success

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For School Admissions Question: 

Alex Ukkelberg

[email protected]

For Rugby Questions:

Kris Stafford

[email protected]

https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/

5 teams plus a development team, with about 110 players competing weekly

Part of BUCS Super Rugby, the top 10 university teams in the UK

Season runs from August (preseason) through April, with 18 league games

Extensive resources: strength & conditioning, physio, nutrition workshops, mental health support

New positional criteria document implemented for detailed player feedback

Testing includes physical characteristics (speed, strength, body composition)

Action plans created for individual player improvement

Goal to track player progress from first year through graduation

Rolling admissions with quick response times (7-10 days)

Minimum 3.0 unweighted high school GPA required, test-optional

Comprehensive support from application through arrival on campus

Global Village department organizes events to help international students feel at home

Tuition around $20,000 USD per year, with scholarship opportunities

International student scholarship: £1,000 off tuition

Dean's scholarship: £6,000 off tuition (merit-based)
FAFSA-eligible for US students

Welcoming environment for players of all skill levels

No trials; focus on integrating new players into the program gradually

Strong pathway to professional rugby, with over 115 players progressing to top leagues since 2016

Interested students should reach out to Alex (academic queries) and Chris (rugby-specific information)

Consider applying early for Fall 2025 admission

Explore scholarship opportunities and FAFSA options

Look out for potential Leeds Beckett rugby team visits to Southern California in April

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