The Rugby NorCal Podcast

Dec 10

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: Colin.OHare@leinsterrugby.ie (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. worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Nov 14

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. Program Structure and Coaching 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 Player Training and Development 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 Competition and Travel 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 Recruiting Priorities 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 Team Culture 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 How to Connect 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 worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Oct 29

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. worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Oct 3

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. Success Stories 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). Coaching Insights 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. worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Sep 24

Andrew Cook will be running two lineout sessions at the Summit, helping coaches sharpen their vision, define their non-negotiables, and build efficient lineout systems that spark scoring opportunities. We cover: Andrew’s coaching background and growth at St. Mary’s His approach to developing rugby IQ and player ownership The evolution of his coaching communication style Why the lineout remains the most critical set piece in modern rugby What coaches can expect from his sessions at the Summit 🎟️ Register for the Rugby Development Summit and secure early bird pricing until October 1 at RugbySummit.com worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Sep 19

Darryl shares his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where team culture develops naturally rather than being dictated. He highlights the value of profiling players and teams to tailor coaching approaches, stressing that knowing players personally helps in building stronger, more cohesive teams. Listeners will also get a preview of Darryl’s summit content: Day 1 will focus on framing rugby concepts, assessing teams, and developing game plans. Day 2 will dive into team environments, culture in practice, and bringing learnings into team runs. He also explores how coaching styles differ across cultures, from Japan to the Pacific Islands, and why it’s important for coaches to develop player decision-making regardless of background. Finally, Darryl stresses the importance of networking and continued learning , encouraging coaches to build lasting relationships, share ideas, and connect across different coaching levels. Key Takeaway: Attendees should come to the Summit prepared with goals and questions, ready to learn, connect, and grow. 🎟️ Early bird registration closes October 1st . worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Sep 12

Topics Recap of 2024 Rugby Development Summit Rusty introduced games like 50-22, Rondo, and the banking game Headband technique helped make players feel seen and improved team dynamics Emphasis on problem-solving and giving players autonomy in decision-making Coaches maintained contact with Rusty throughout the year, extending learning Rusty's Recent Coaching Experiences Traveled extensively: Iceland, Boston, Spain, Vancouver Island, Seattle, Amsterdam Upcoming engagements: Coaches Voice Conference (Vegas), Women in Rugby Conference (Denver) Implemented games like "Park the Bus" successfully in recent coaching sessions Plans for 2025 Rugby Development Summit Introduction of "Park the Bus" game, which focuses on defensive strategies in the 22-meter area Continued emphasis on coaching communication skills (e.g., 4-level framework: name, action, timing, visual cues) Focus on coaching individuals within team settings Exploration of "ball out of play" skills and match-day coaching techniques Rugby NorCal Updates Solidified position as largest state youth governing body in the country Hiring staff for competition management Working to professionalize and improve the spectacle of rugby events Next Steps Finalize agenda for 2025 Rugby Development Summit Coordinate with St. Mary's Gaels rugby team for demonstrations Rusty to prepare "Park the Bus" game and other new coaching techniques Encourage coaches to register at RugbySummit.com for the 2025 event worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

May 15

🔑 Key Takeaways: Nearly 40% of D1A college rugby games were decided by 9 points or fewer, showing rising parity. St. Ignatius (Cleveland) and Charlotte Cardinals are strong favorites heading into nationals, but several contenders could shake up the field. Playing tougher schedules , attending camps/tours , and focusing on long-term player development are critical for teams seeking national recognition. 1. College Rugby Season Recap Cal vs. Life : Cal wins D1A National Championship No team went undefeated in D1A Nearly half of top matchups were close contests Notable program improvements: UCSB, Cal State Long Beach, Mount St. Mary’s Emphasis on growing domestic talent alongside international athletes 2. High School Rugby Landscape St. Francis (NorCal), Torrey Pines & Cathedral Catholic (SoCal) maintained rankings despite early season end St. Ignatius (Cleveland) showed dominance across top-tier matchups Surprise risers NorCal Premier League: Over one-third of games decided by close margins 3. How Teams Can Level Up Play tougher opponents —even at the risk of losing Encourage players to join select sides and off-season camps Create player exchange/tour opportunities (e.g. Oliver Kirk’s NZ tour) Develop players across all age groups , not just high school varsity 4. Nationals Preview Club Tier 1: Charlotte Cardinals are the team to beat Single School: St. Ignatius (Cleveland) enters as favorite, with Herriman in close pursuit Tier 2 Dark Horse: Fort Hunt (VA) highlighted for their explosive and unpredictable style 5. Next Steps for Coaches & Programs Review schedules to include out-of-region matches for national exposure Promote player participation in camps, academies, and tours Support ongoing growth of competitive rugby across all U.S. regions worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org