About this episode
Goffrugbyreport.com agoff@goffrugbyreport.com Key Takeaways Girls youth rugby is experiencing significant growth Increased number of single-school rugby teams emerging across the US USA Rugby's "Moonshot" goal aims for World Cup quarterfinals in 2031, with improved talent identification and development pathways College rugby programs are adapting to demographic changes and exploring new recruitment strategies Topics Growth in High School Rugby Girls youth and high school rugby seeing explosive growth Boys high school rugby continuing steady growth Increase in single-school teams, including public schools in Northern California, Southern California, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida Positive impact of on-campus rugby programs for recruitment and sustainability Player Development and National Team Pathways USA Rugby implementing virtual academy and talent ID camps across the country Improved tracking and follow-up systems for identified players Virtual academy provides specific feedback on skills and areas for improvement Emphasis on proactive communication from players to coaches and selectors Women's rugby allows for later entry into high-level play compared to men's College Rugby Landscape Enrollment cliff affecting college admissions, particularly for young men Two-year programs like American River College and Iowa Central providing alternative pathways D1A programs investing in high-level coaches to improve competitiveness Importance of building depth and developing B-side players for program sustainability Notable Players and Programs Players 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, UCLA High School Rankings and Nationals Goff Rugby Report releases preseason top 50 boys high school rankings Rankings based on previous year's performance, returning players, and program trajectory National championships in Elkhart, Indiana provide excellent playing conditions and affordable accommodations Next Steps Submit applications for high school national championships by February 1st Watch for emerging single-school programs and their impact on local rugby scenes Monitor the progress of USA Rugby's talent identification and development initiatives Keep an eye on college programs adapting to demographic changes and new coaching hires worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org