Brendan Keane - USA Rugby Head of Player Systems & Development

Reach out to Brendan by email: bkeane@usa.rugby Key Takeaways 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 worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org