The Youth Will Guide Us
| 6
|
by user BigPPup
For years, American rugby has been the kicking child for the IRB. The United States have been unable to put together a legitimate squad that could challenge internationally with any of the worlds powerhouse teams. Over the past year, U.S.A. Rugby has made a concerted effort to change this. And while the results of the United States efforts will not be seen in the 2007 World Cup, they will be seen in 2011, and in the following years. Don’t believe me? Look at what the American U-19 squad has accomplished this spring, as well as the Eagles 7’s squad.
American rugby is growing, more importantly it is growing from the youth ranks. Around the country high school programs are emerging, and players are developing into quality rugby players at a younger age. This will only work to increase the depth of the talent pool that the Eagles will be able to choose from in future seasons. Even though the efforts to build American rugby are young, they are already being felt on many levels.
Typically most American rugby players do not begin their playing careers till they enter college. Making them 18 years old, when they first handle a rugby ball. Due to their late starting age, a quality player is close to 30 or older before they have gained enough experience to join the Eagles. Even with that, the average player is still lacking many years of experience to their international counterparts. While this may seem miniscule, in reality it is a crippling circumstance for American Rugby.
However, with the youth movement the United States is currently experiencing, the trend is shifting. Players are now entering college with four or more years playing experience. The growth of the U-19 programs around the country has allowed many players to gain international experience before ever leaving home for college. This has allowed America to begin scouting and finding talented players at a very young age, and it is has raised the level of competition both at the colligate and the Men’s Club level.
The results are also being felt in the United States Eagles pool. The Eagle’s 7’s team had an average age of 23 this past spring. Despite their youth they were able to earn the Plate, at the IRB Championships in San Diego, and they made a solid showing in the Hong Kong 7’s. Many of the young men selected to that side will also be in contention for spots on the Eagle’s 15’s side this up coming fall.
A youth movement is changing the face of American rugby. Teams are getting younger, faster and more talented, while all the while they are gaining more game experience. This is the perfect formula for building a successful program in any sport. As U.S.A. Rugby continues to pour money, time and effort into the youth the Eagles and U.S.A. will reap the benefits for years to come.
