The Rugby NorCal Podcast

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 applicationsGet Involved:Players interested in learning more or beginning the recruitment process should email coach@huskyrugby.com or visit HuskyRugby.com worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

Recruitment Form CLICK HERETopicsMatt Sherman's Rugby BackgroundStarted playing rugby in high school at Piedmont, CaliforniaPlayed at Cal, winning 4 national championshipsContinued rugby career at Oxford while getting master's degreeBegan coaching early, including high school team while at Cal Army West Point Rugby ProgramTypical cadet schedule: classes, formations, team meals, afternoon trainingPractice 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 first2022 National Championship factors: strong leadership, culture improvements post-COVID, depth, few injuries Recruiting for Army RugbyLook for character first - attitude, effort, living team valuesPhysical ability is secondary to character traitsRecruitment process:Junior year: Winter webinar, start application in FebruarySenior year: Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) week, July 7-10 summer campEncourage talking to Army officers/West Point grads in community Next StepsCheck show notes for Matt Sherman's contact info and recruitment questionnaireConsider attending Army's Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) for rising seniorsLook into Army's summer rugby camp July 7-10 (details coming soon)Watch for Army vs Cal Berkeley match on March 15thContinue efforts to grow rugby at all levels to positively influence more lives worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

Reach out to Troy: troy@clemsonrugby.comTopicsTroy Hall's Rugby JourneyStarted playing rugby at age 5 in New ZealandMoved to the USA, played for various clubs including White Plains and Old BlueSelected for USA Eagles in both 7s (2008) and 15s, playing until 2015Transitioned to coaching, including roles with Rugby Oregon and Oregon State Clemson Rugby Program DevelopmentTroy took over as Director of Rugby in 2020 during COVID-19Focused on building relationships, engaging players, and establishing a strong cultureIntroduced "Mahi" concept (meaning "to work hard") as a cornerstone of team cultureDeveloped a professional-like environment with dedicated facilities and support systems Player Development and RecruitmentLooks for players with resilience, fitness, and willingness to learnOffers individualized skill development and video analysisRuns a remote high-performance academy (Mahi) for holistic athlete developmentActively recruits through website and direct communication with Troy Clemson Rugby Foundation and Alumni NetworkFoundation supports operational needs, coaching, and field maintenanceRecently improved engagement through live streaming of gamesWorking on building a sustainable program with long-term staff and resources Rugby Schedule and StructureFall season focuses on 15s, typically 8-9 gamesSpring season dedicated to 7s, with 7-8 tournaments scheduled Next StepsCheck Clemson Rugby website (clemsonrugby.com) for updated recruitment informationConsider applying to Troy's Mahi high-performance program at hallconsultants.comReach out directly to Troy at troy@clemsonrugby.com for recruitment inquiriesLook out for potential Clemson Rugby visit to NorCal for recruitment and networking   worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

Key TakeawaysUSA Youth and High School Rugby, formed in 2021, has significantly improved youth rugby's positioning and representationKey initiatives include high-performance partnerships, coaching education (Six Degrees), and developing a comprehensive player pathwayCurrent focus is on building foundations for scalable growth, aiming for 1 million youth players in the futureChallenges include geographic spread and competition with established U.S. sports, but rugby community engagement is a key strength TopicsGiovanni Valetti's Rugby BackgroundBorn in South Africa to Italian grandparentsFirst rugby experience: 1995 Rugby World Cup in South AfricaMoved to U.S., studied sports managementBecame Executive Director of SoCal Rugby in 2018 before joining USA Youth and High School Rugby Formation and Structure of USA Youth and High School RugbyCreated in 2021 following USA Rugby's restructuring501(c)(3) organization focused on youth and high school rugbyBoard structure with regional representationAims to insulate youth game from potential issues at higher levelsProvides more direct representation for youth rugby interests Current Initiatives and ProgramsHigh Performance Partnership with U.S. national teamsSix Degrees coaching education platformImagine Rugby (non-contact introductory program)Working on integrated strategic plan for player pathwayFocus on mass participation and skill development Challenges and OpportunitiesGeographic spread makes competition and travel difficultNeed to compete with established U.S. sports for participantsCurrent player base is substantial compared to some rugby nationsOpportunity to leverage upcoming World Cups (2031, 2033) for growthBuilding sustainable structures for post-World Cup growth Community Engagement and RetentionRugby community provides networking, job opportunities, and lifelong connectionsFocus on retaining players as coaches, referees, and administratorsWorking to improve communication and engagement with clubs and playersEncouraging content sharing from clubs and state organizations for social media Next StepsContinue developing and promoting Six Degrees coaching platformExpand high-performance initiatives and player pathwaysImprove marketing and communication to showcase YHS Rugby's workEncourage more content sharing from clubs and state organizationsFocus on building sustainable structures for long-term growth beyond 2033 World Cups   worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

Goffrugbyreport.comagoff@goffrugbyreport.comKey TakeawaysGirls youth rugby is experiencing significant growthIncreased number of single-school rugby teams emerging across the USUSA Rugby's "Moonshot" goal aims for World Cup quarterfinals in 2031, with improved talent identification and development pathwaysCollege rugby programs are adapting to demographic changes and exploring new recruitment strategies TopicsGrowth in High School RugbyGirls youth and high school rugby seeing explosive growthBoys high school rugby continuing steady growthIncrease in single-school teams, including public schools in Northern California, Southern California, Louisiana, Texas, and FloridaPositive impact of on-campus rugby programs for recruitment and sustainability Player Development and National Team PathwaysUSA Rugby implementing virtual academy and talent ID camps across the countryImproved tracking and follow-up systems for identified playersVirtual academy provides specific feedback on skills and areas for improvementEmphasis on proactive communication from players to coaches and selectorsWomen's rugby allows for later entry into high-level play compared to men's College Rugby LandscapeEnrollment cliff affecting college admissions, particularly for young menTwo-year programs like American River College and Iowa Central providing alternative pathwaysD1A programs investing in high-level coaches to improve competitivenessImportance of building depth and developing B-side players for program sustainability Notable Players and ProgramsPlayers 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, UCLAHigh School Rankings and NationalsGoff Rugby Report releases preseason top 50 boys high school rankingsRankings based on previous year's performance, returning players, and program trajectoryNational championships in Elkhart, Indiana provide excellent playing conditions and affordable accommodations Next StepsSubmit applications for high school national championships by February 1stWatch for emerging single-school programs and their impact on local rugby scenesMonitor the progress of USA Rugby's talent identification and development initiativesKeep an eye on college programs adapting to demographic changes and new coaching hires   worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

Chris O'Brien's Rugby BackgroundGrew up in a rugby family, father played at Stanford in the 1950sStarted playing at 14-15 years old with the Old Blues clubPlayed multiple sports (football, water skiing) which contributed to his rugby developmentRepresented the USA Eagles national teamTransitioned into coaching after playing, including youth, high school, college, and international levels Cal Poly Rugby Program DevelopmentO'Brien is in his 4th year as head coachFocused on building team culture and skill developmentScheduling tougher opponents (BYU, Central Washington, Army) to challenge playersBalancing academics and rugby, with high GPA requirements for admission (3.6-4.2 depending on major) Training and Player DevelopmentEmphasis on basic skill development and repetitionIncorporates video analysis sessions to improve player understandingPushes players in training to simulate game fatigue and decision-makingUtilizes men's club matches to expose players to higher-level competition Recruitment and AdmissionsProgram is attracting more interest from potential playersAdmissions are highly competitive (1 in 10 applicants accepted)Cannot tag or influence admissions as a club sportMany players come from the Bay Area Future Plans and OpportunitiesConsidering organizing summer camps to develop youth rugby in the areaBuilding relationships with the Cal Poly football program for potential crossover athletesExploring ways to improve fundraising to support team travel and experiences Next StepsPrepare 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 crossoverInvestigate possibilities for organizing summer rugby camps in San Luis ObispoMaintain focus on academics and encourage prospective players to prioritize grades for admission worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

Reach out to Brendan by email: bkeane@usa.rugbyKey TakeawaysUSA Rugby has launched a Virtual Academy to connect with and develop players nationwidePlayers should focus on building good habits and creating a positive learning environment for themselvesThe talent ID process looks at athletic testing, rugby skills, and intangibles like communication and body languageThere's a clear pathway from U18 to U20 to senior national teams, but players can enter at various points TopicsUSA Rugby Pathway OverviewGoal is to reach World Cup quarterfinals by 2031 ("moonshot" program)Pathway extends from U15 to U23 age groupsVirtual Academy launched to engage players year-roundIn-person talent ID camps and assemblies for U18 and U20 teamsPlayers given feedback and development plans after camp Player Development FocusEmphasis on building good habits and routines from a young agePlayers encouraged to create positive learning environments for themselvesImportance of being coachable and honest about areas for improvementTechnical skills, athleticism, and intangibles like communication all evaluated Talent Identification ProcessTalent ID camps test 10m/40m sprints and standing broad jumpRugby skills assessed through drills and small-sided gamesCoaches evaluate decision-making, spatial awareness, and execution under pressurePlayer body language and communication also factored inLong-Term VisionEstablish permanent regional training centers across the U.S.Increase number of assemblies and staff to compete at top international levelUse 2031 World Cup as launching point for further growth of rugby in AmericaConnect more directly with players/coaches to provide resources and answer questions Next StepsPlayers should engage with Virtual Academy if interested in pathwayPrepare for upcoming NorCal talent ID camps on Jan 25 and March 23Coaches/players encouraged to reach out directly to USA Rugby staff with questionsContinue building towards 2031 World Cup "moonshot" goal worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

jhickey3@nd.edu  -  Reach out to Justin Today!  https://rugby.nd.edu/recruits/        TopicsJustin Hickey's Rugby BackgroundStarted 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 StructureCompetes 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 Goals6-1 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 ProcessUses 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 RugbyCombination of high-level academics, competitive rugby, and Division I athletic atmosphere Strong alumni network and support Opportunities in both 15s and 7s rugby worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

TopicsGavin Hickie's Rugby BackgroundGrew up in a rugby family in Dublin, Ireland with father and cousin playing for Ireland national teamPlayed professionally for 10 years including for Leinster, London Irish, Worcester, and Leicester TigersCame to the U.S. to play for Belmont Shore, which led to coaching opportunities Naval Academy Rugby ProgramBecame head coach in 2017, transitioned program to varsity statusWon national championship in first varsity season going 18-0Emphasizes fitness, set-piece play, kicking game, and developing skillful backsRigorous daily schedule for players balancing academics, military training, and rugbyRecruits driven individuals who want to serve and excel in rugby Player Development PhilosophyFocuses on character development and preparing players for military serviceUses historical military battles as themes to teach lessons applicable to rugbyMeasures success by performance metrics and player growth, not just winsValues time spent together as a team as much as on-field achievements Notable Players CoachedMadison Hughes (USA 7s captain) - Subtle, inspiring leader who led by exampleLewis Gray - Aggressive, vocal leader who pushed teammates hardConnor McNerney - Mentally tough, refused to give upEmphasizes different leadership styles can be effective Advice for Aspiring PlayersNaval Academy offers unique opportunity to develop as leader and rugby playerApplication process is rigorous, requires strong academics and desire to serveRugby community and alumni network provide lifelong connections and supportPlayers should embrace their individual leadership style while committing to team success worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

Contact Info & SummaryFor School Admissions Question: Alex Ukkelberga.ukkelberg@leedsbeckett.ac.ukFor Rugby Questions:Kris Staffordk.stafford@leedsbeckett.ac.ukhttps://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/TopicsLeeds Beckett Rugby Program Overview5 teams plus a development team, with about 110 players competing weeklyPart of BUCS Super Rugby, the top 10 university teams in the UKSeason runs from August (preseason) through April, with 18 league gamesExtensive resources: strength & conditioning, physio, nutrition workshops, mental health supportPlayer Development and AssessmentNew positional criteria document implemented for detailed player feedbackTesting includes physical characteristics (speed, strength, body composition)Action plans created for individual player improvementGoal to track player progress from first year through graduationInternational Student SupportRolling admissions with quick response times (7-10 days)Minimum 3.0 unweighted high school GPA required, test-optionalComprehensive support from application through arrival on campusGlobal Village department organizes events to help international students feel at homeFinancial ConsiderationsTuition around $20,000 USD per year, with scholarship opportunitiesInternational student scholarship: £1,000 off tuitionDean's scholarship: £6,000 off tuition (merit-based)FAFSA-eligible for US studentsRugby Culture and OpportunitiesWelcoming environment for players of all skill levelsNo trials; focus on integrating new players into the program graduallyStrong pathway to professional rugby, with over 115 players progressing to top leagues since 2016Next StepsInterested students should reach out to Alex (academic queries) and Chris (rugby-specific information)Consider applying early for Fall 2025 admissionExplore scholarship opportunities and FAFSA optionsLook out for potential Leeds Beckett rugby team visits to Southern California in April worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

Summary: In this episode, we interview Lesley McKenzie, the head coach of Japan's women's rugby team. Lesley shares insights from her coaching journey, her experiences working with the Japan team, and what she hopes to bring to her upcoming presentation at the USA Coaches Summit. Link to register is below: https://therugbysitelocker.com/us-n Meeting Purpose: We discuss Lesley's coaching experiences, her philosophy, and the challenges she faces coaching in Japan, as well as a preview of her upcoming appearance at the USA Coaches Summit at St. Mary's College. Key Takeaways: • Japan's women's rugby team has unique challenges, including a small player pool of only 300 senior players. • Communication is key for Lesley, especially with language barriers, and she believes in simplifying instructions to focus on core ideas. • The women's international rugby landscape is evolving quickly, with more teams professionalizing and improving rapidly. Topics Covered: 1. Lesley's Rugby Background: • Started playing rugby at the University of British Columbia after exploring other sports. • Played for Canada's national team, including two Rugby World Cups (2006 and 2010). • Transitioned to coaching through volunteer opportunities and worked in rugby development roles in New Zealand before becoming Japan's head coach in 2019. 2. Coaching Philosophy: • Advocates for continuous learning and a growth mindset for both coaches and players. • Emphasizes clear and simple communication, especially when overcoming language barriers in Japan. • Breaks down complex rugby concepts into actionable steps that players can easily follow. 3. Japan Women's Rugby Program: • Japan has a relatively small player base of around 300 senior women players, compared to tens of thousands in top rugby nations. • The team has been evolving since the 2022 World Cup, focusing on set-piece improvements and integrating young talent. • McKenzie and her team are aiming for a strong showing at the 2025 Rugby World Cup with a goal of reaching the quarterfinals. 4. Women's International Rugby Landscape: • There has been a rapid rise in the professionalism and resources allocated to women's rugby, especially in leading nations like England. • This growing competitiveness poses challenges for smaller nations like Japan, but also creates opportunities for exciting rugby innovations, including faster-paced play styles. 5. Advice for Coaches: • Don't feel overwhelmed by the flood of information; focus on the lessons that resonate most with your own coaching style. • Keep messaging simple and direct to avoid overcomplicating instructions. • Stay confident in your coaching abilities while remaining open to new ideas and continuous learning. worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

In this episode, we feature insightful interviews with three of the key presenters who will be speaking at the Rugby Development Summit on November 2nd and 3rd. It's a great chance to get an inside look at the valuable content you can expect from Sean, Rusty, and Greg, and learn more about their expertise. Link to the US National Rugby Summit: https://therugbysitelocker.com/us-national-rugby-summit/worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Key Takeaways  USD rugby has achieved significant success, winning 2 national championships each in 15s and 7s Program growth driven by strong culture, alumni support, and professional coaching structure San Diego offers robust pathway for aspiring rugby players from college to professional level USD actively recruits NorCal players, who form the "spine" of their successful team  Reach out to USD using the emails below:  To contact Kevin Eaton- usdrugbyteam@gmail.com  To contact Charlie Purdon- usdrugbycoach@gmail.com  To contact Scott Thomas- scottjthomas@sandiego.edu  Link to USD Presentation https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zu8GnwTn3D3zLTyaypGo1lfJ4AONHb7Y/view worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

To contact Adriaan, email him below.aferris@cagrizzlies.com worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

St. Mary's College of California assistant coach Andrew Cook joins Rugby Norcal for the final episode of season 1. St. Mary's College of California Rugby Camp: https://www.smcallsportcamp.com/rugby.cfm De La Salle High School Camps: https://www.dlshs.org/athletics/camps-clinics/summer-camps worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

This week we have the man behind the Goff Rugby Report's rankings, reports, and news; Alex Goff. Check out his rankings and news at the website below. https://www.goffrugbyreport.com/worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

RNC Sits down with both a founding member of Marin Rugby Club as well as an assistant coach of the current Varsity team. We discuss the history of the club, how it was founded, and it's current success in RNC's Premier League. Check out the Marin Highlanders Youth Club at the website below. https://www.marinhighlandersrugby.org/worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

World Rugby Shop Promo Code NorCal20Email Coach Nick to learn more about the SJSU Rugby Program sjsurugbycoach@gmail.com worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

RNC sits back down with Derek Holmberg after De La Salle high school wins another Single School State championship. We talk about the history of the championship and where we want single high school rugby to go. worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

RNC sits down with Derek Holmberg, head coach of De La Salle Rugby Club. We talk about the history of De La Salle Rugby Club and how they have continued to have success over the years.  DLS is one of the most successful clubs in RNC with multiple Single School and Club Championships. worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.org

RNC sits down with two current rugby players at St. Mary's College of California. Jake Negrete and Hunter Chuhlantseff are in their 5th year of playing rugby for one of the top programs in the United States. Listeners will get an inside scoop of their journey from High School to playing for St. Mary's. worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

RNC sits down with Wolverines Rugby Club out of San Mateo, California. The Wolverines are one of the largest clubs in Rugby NorCal and produce some of the best players from the region. We talk with Club President, Leka Nemani, about the history of Wolverines Rugby and his plans for the future. https://wolverinesrugbyclub.com/homeworldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

In this episode of the Rugby NorCal Podcast, we chat with USA Eagle and Professional Rugby Player, Dino Waldren. We discuss his journey in the sport, his experiences playing rugby, and his thoughts on the current state of the game. Key Talking Points: Dino's background in rugby and how he got started playing His most memorable moments on the rugby field The challenges and rewards of playing rugby His thoughts on the development of rugby in Northern California His advice for aspiring young rugby playersworldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

RNC sits down with Granite Bay Rugby Club based in Placer County, California. GBR won the 2022 Boys High School Varsity National Championship and is continually ranked in the top 10 Rugby Clubs in the United States. The program is run by head coach and Director of Rugby, Chris Miller (Cal, USA Eagles). We talk to Chris and his coaches about the club, its history, and so much more.worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

RNC sits down with 4x Collegiate National Champion and MLR Champion Holden Yungert. Holden Yungert started his Rugby journey in Northern California playing for Marin Rugby Club. He went on to play at Saint Mary's College of Ca, winning multiple national championships, and continued his championship legacy by winning the MLR championship in 2022 with the New England Freejacks. worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Welcome to the Rugby Norcal Podcast with your host Nate Dalena!worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org