The Rugby NorCal Podcast

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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What we cover:

Key Takeaways:

Parental Pressure is Identity Driven

Winning is Not the Priority for Kids

The 24-Hour Rule

Fun Drives Retention

Youth Sports Needs a Reset

Why it matters for Rugby NorCal:

Action Items:

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NorCal Pipeline

Program Identity

Player Development

Training Environment

Strength & Conditioning

Scholarship Opportunity (WUI)

Why Boise

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:

[email protected]

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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 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

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.
 

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: [email protected] (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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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).

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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