Finding a Pathway to USA Rugby High School All-Americans

A few weeks ago, USA Rugby announced the selection process and schedule  for the Junior All-Americans who compete internationally over the summer. There has been some confusion surrounding the titles of the various national youth teams, but all have transitioned to the All-American format: High School All-Americans, Junior All-Americans, Collegiate All-Americans. Each AA team replaces its age-grade equivalent (U17, U20, U23). In addition to confusion surrounding the titles, these national-level teams tend to seem far-removed or abstract for many athletes and coaches. However, recent attention illustrates the country’s objective to open up pathways to high performance rugby in order to grow the game as a whole. The stronger our youth programs are, the strong our senior programs will be. And with the re-entry into the Olympics, America is looking to recruit the strongest talent pool possible.

Salty Thompson, head coach of the Boys’ High School All-Americans, recently spoke at a coaching clinic where he offered suggestions for breaking into the All-American pool. Taking cues from other sports, Thompson recommended using film as a means to get seen. Websites such as YouTube or Vimeo are user-friendly for both players and coaches.  Emailing game film or composite highlight reels is an easy way for coaches to see a player in action. The announcement from USAR about the Jr. All-Americans also provided links to an online nomination form which will be used as applications for regional camps to be held this winter and spring. Each application asks for basic player information and measures of fitness, and also leaves room for “additional information”.

Danielle Miller, head coach of the Women’s Junior All-Americans, shared some great advice for players hoping to enter into the national pool. She tells her players that there are three things they can control: skills, fitness, and attitude. Skills such as passing, footwork, or tackling are vital for all players and can be improved daily. Fitness clearly plays a huge role in every game and can be enhanced from practically anywhere. Lastly, attitude; Miller characterized this as a player who shows personal responsibility, is coachable, is willing to be a student, and is a good teammate. Salty Thompson also highlighted the importance of a player’s attitude by explaining that character is at the top of the list for recruitment, not athletic ability. Thompson even asks for teacher recommendations when selecting the High School All-American team. Adaptable players also proved favorable in the eyes of both coaches; athletes who are willing to play where they are needed and where they can best help the team. Regional High School All-Star tournaments will be held around the country this year and players will be selected from these tournaments and invited to the HS AA camp in July.

The Head Coach of the Women’s National Team, Pete Steinberg, has set up a website Eagle365 which is filled with resources for becoming an Eagle. Miller says that she frequently directs hopeful players to the website in order to learn about what it takes to play at a national level including physical and mental development.

Overall, there are many resources to help athletes advance themselves in rugby, but it is important to advocate for yourself as a player. Coaches want to field the best teams possible, but they need to know about the best players in order to field those teams. Taking advantage of the resources that are out there, and excelling in the areas which one can control are the first steps. Then contact a coach or recruiter either by sending film or filling out a nomination form.

More information about each team and the coaches can be found on the USAR website under the National Teams tab.