Moving Through The Process

by Kathy Flores, US Eagle Head Coach

As coach of the Women Eagles, I often receive letters asking how a player can pursue a spot on the USA National Team. In addition to having the athletic talent, desire and resources to become an Eagle, players must move through the USA Rugby system in order to be considered for a place on the Eagles.

Currently, a player can start at one of three levels: high school, college or club. She can always participate up if she has the required skill level (for example: an outstanding U-19 player may compete with Under-23 players). In some cases, a player may participate in a lower level ( for example: an 18-year-old collegiate player can compete in the Under-19 division). In the chart to the right, the bold arrows indicate the path that is most common, depending on the skill level attained and retained, and the regular arrows indicate the path some exceptional players may take. All levels can lead to the Eagles, with some pathways being more intuitive than others. Players can be recommended by their coaches or choose to attend a camp at the initial levels. Most likely, after participating at the Local Area Union (LAU) level, the only way to continue is to be selected for upper level play, such as on an All Star squad.

USA Rugby is composed of Territorial Unions (TUs) which are composed of Local Area Unions (LAUs). Players participate locally on their LAU teams in competition with other LAU teams. Outstanding players are selected to participate on a territorial squad. This squad will represent the territory in All Star competition.

Playing at any of these events is not the only forum for selection to a camp by the National Team staff. The staff also views other events such as the National Championships and work with recommendations by other coaches such as the U-23 coaches and also club coaches. For now, there will be few, if any, U-19 players that are able to compete internationally. However, as rugby is introduced to younger populations the future could see more U-19 players having the skills to compete for a spot. Players do not have to have gone through each of the programs to be chosen, but it offers the best opportunity for exposure to the National Team staff.