from Norwich Athletics:
NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University head women’s rugby coach Austin Hall will take on a new challenge this year as he begins work with the women’s Combined Services National Team. The appointment comes on the heels of the Cadets’ second straight National Championship in USA Rugby 7’s Rugby.
The Combined Services’ team will consist of enlisted and commissioned members of all branches of military service. The current team includes players stationed from Alaska to Texas, from Hawaii to Washington, D.C. They will open play at the Las Vegas 7’s on Feb. 8. Their bracket will pit the team against international competition, including the USA Eagles, Japan, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, and Canada.
The position with the USCS will not interfere with Hall’s coaching position at Norwich.
“I am honored to be asked to coach this team,” Hall said. “To have the opportunity to support our military through the game of rugby is a blessing. Having spoken with a number of the players, it is obvious that we are on board for an exciting venture. I believe in the development of this program and am ready to begin.”
The USCS is expanding and working to offer more rugby opportunity to servicewomen around the world. With Norwich and the military academies playing some of the best college women’s rugby in the country, Coach Hall believes the USCS can become a major competitor in American and International rugby.
“We’re going to start slowly, with a 12 player roster and a trip to the Vegas 7’s,” Hall added. “From there, we’ll work on building a 15’s program and providing opportunity for more players.”
