GLENDALE, Colo.—Scouting and Talent ID activities from this spring and summer have culminated in a 9-week development academy for USA Men’s High Performance Pathways. 

Hosted in partnership with World Rugby at the RugbyTown National Training Center in Glendale, CO, 27 players train and compete through October under Head Coach and Eagle Alumni Paul Emerick. Additional national team coaches, invited support coaches and analysts also filter through the program to deliver insights and evaluate talent in preparation for matches against 404, Seattle Rugby Club and St Mary’s College. 

USA Academy Campers Learning the Professional Rugby Life

Players in camp were selected from a range of talent identification opportunities including Talent ID Days, Talent Confirmation camps,  and the Eagle Eye Scout Network. The purpose of the academy is to help upskill players with what they’ll need to compete on the professional and international stage as the cycle trends towards Rugby World Cup 2023 France and beyond. 

“This World Rugby funded initiative has already enhanced and expanded the pool of identified players that we feel have the potential, when combined with adequate development opportunities, to progress toward elite rugby opportunities," said USA Rugby General Manager of High Performance Dan Payne. “The Daily Training Environment provided over the 9-week program is aimed at accelerating development and preparing these players for the growing list of elite rugby opportunities within our country including MLR, elite club competitions, top college programs and more. Identification is just the very beginning of a long and intricate process.”

“World Rugby’s ongoing investment and partnership with USA Rugby in the delivery of talent identification and player development initiatives is critical in improving the competitiveness of the USA Eagles," added World Rugby General Manager of High Performance Peter Horne. “World Rugby and USA Rugby have sought to construct a sustainable pathway strategy to accelerate the development of aspiring rugby players in the USA between the ages of 18 and 23. The strategy engages local communities and provides opportunities for athletes from traditional and non-traditional domestic pathways.  

“The program has quickly achieved great success, with 6 graduates selected to represent the Men’s National Team on their tour to England and Ireland in July 2021.  In addition to this, 60% of graduates are contracted and playing in the MLR.”