Advertise on podcast: The Rugby NorCal Podcast

In this episode of the Rugby NorCal Podcast, we spotlight the University of California, Santa Cruz Rugby program and what makes it one of the most compelling D1A club rugby programs in the country. UCSC Rugby competes weekly against varsity powerhouses while maintaining a gritty, athlete-led culture rooted in accountability, adaptability, and academic excellence. The discussion covers the program’s identity, recruiting standards, and long-term development model for student-athletes. What You’ll Learn:What it means to compete at the D1A level as a club program The “Skill, Systems, Mindset” coaching philosophy and how it develops versatile, decision-making players How UCSC supports late-entry rugby athletes and long-term development The impact of the Black and Gold Society, UCSC Rugby’s alumni network providing funding and career mentorship Academic and rugby expectations for prospective student-athletes (3.5+ GPA, 16–20 hrs/week rugby commitment) Positions currently being recruited for D1A competition Featured Player Pathway:Former Slug Jackson Zabierek shares how UCSC helped him transition from a high-school football player into a complete rugby athlete, ultimately reaching Major League Rugby with the Chicago Hounds.   Recruiting Information:Prospective players are encouraged to: Create a profile on Next Phase Rugby Email UCSC Rugby staff with “Rugby” in the subject line Visit slugrugby.com This episode is a must-listen for high-academic student-athletes, parents, coaches, and alumni interested in collegiate rugby pathways and sustainable program building. worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

  What You’ll Hear in This Episode   1. Inside Syracuse’s High-Performance Rugby Environment   How Syracuse evolved from a participation-focused club to a performance-level program in about two years. Overview of facilities: dedicated rugby field with lights, on-site weight room, and a full-time strength & conditioning coach. The role of nutrition, mental skills, and off-field development in their weekly rhythm.     2. The Leinster Rugby Partnership   Origin story: how Syracuse alumni connections led to a relationship with Leinster Rugby. What Leinster brings: coaching clinics, a player development framework, and a model for building homegrown talent. How the partnership shapes training design, standards, and long-term pathways for Syracuse players.     3. Program Structure and Player Experience   Weekly load:   5 practices per week (around 2 hours per session) 2 dedicated weight-lifting sessions How coaches support players in balancing academics with rugby (class schedules, communication, and accountability). What it looks like for different levels of experience:   Brand-new players finding their footing Established college players looking to grow MLR and national team prospects seeking a performance environment     4. Team Culture and Standards   The values that drive behavior on and off the field. How player accountability shows up: attendance, standards, and peer leadership. The shift from “show up and play” to “compete, improve, and own your development.”     5. Pathways, Community, and Giving Back   Syracuse fields three men’s sides and one women’s side, creating playing opportunities for roughly 60–70 athletes. Youth and community outreach:   Camps reaching 400+ kids Coaching education for 135+ youth coaches Why community involvement matters for player growth and program sustainability.     6. Recruiting and How NorCal Players Can Get Involved   What Syracuse is looking for in recruits:   Motivation and willingness to compete Coachability and growth mindset Fit with the team’s culture and values The range of academic majors represented and how the team functions as an academic support network. Practical next steps for interested players from Northern California.         Who This Episode Is For     High school players who want a serious rugby environment with strong academic support. Parents and coaches in Northern California helping athletes explore college options. Club and high school coaches curious about how a college program builds culture and performance standards.         How to Learn More / Get Recruited     Program Info: Visit Syracuse University Rugby’s website for roster, schedule, and program details. Recruiting Contact:   Colin O’Hare – Leinster Rugby / Syracuse partnership contact Email: [email protected] (as shared on the episode) Next Steps for Interested Players:   Listen to the full episode to hear exactly what the staff is looking for. Reach out with your rugby background, academic interests, and highlight film if available. Consider attending Leinster/Syracuse camps or clinics to experience the environment firsthand.   worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Western Washington Rugby operates a high performance D1AA program that mirrors a varsity-style experience. With daily training, film study, and strength work, the program prepares players for top-level domestic and Canadian competition. Head coach Adam Roberts leads a strong staff and an alumni-supported infrastructure that elevates both on-field development and off-field growth. Program Structure and CoachingAdam Roberts is in his first full year as a paid head coach after years of volunteer involvement Coaching staff includes former national team coaches and former high-level players Strong alumni network and university support help sustain program growth Players benefit from stipends, resources, and access to quality facilities Player Training and DevelopmentDaily schedule includes field sessions, gym work, film review, and recovery Coaches push players to think clearly under pressure and understand tactical systems Players speak to a major jump in fitness demands from high school to WWU Academic support, study groups, and accountability structures are built into the program Competition and TravelRegular matches against leading Canadian universities such as UBC and Victoria Full conference schedule across the Pacific Northwest Bi-annual international tours, with upcoming travel planned for Ireland and England Working to increase games against top D1A programs like Cal, Saint Mary’s, and Arizona Team plays one of the highest game counts in college rugby nationwide Recruiting PrioritiesMental toughness and grit Work ethic and daily accountability Versatility across multiple positions Players who push teammates while adding to a positive team culture Staff encourages recruits to join calls, ask questions, and explore fit Team CultureProfessional environment with clear standards and expectations Focus on long-term personal development, not only rugby performance Commitment to academics and building habits that transfer beyond sport Balance of hard work, competition, and genuine fun within the squad How to ConnectInstagram: @WWRugby Website: www.wwurugby.org Coach Roberts open for Zoom conversations with interested recruits Program conducts yearly recruiting trips into Northern and Southern California Athletes encouraged to connect through the Next Phase Rugby platform   worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

In this episode of the Rugby NorCal Podcast, host Nate Dalena sits down with Will Hooley, former USA Eagle, Saracens and Northampton Saints professional, and current Major League Rugby Technical Director. Will shares stories from his playing career in England and the United States, including his experience at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and opens up about his transition from player to media and league operations. Together, Nate and Will explore the growth of rugby in the U.S., the current landscape of MLR, and what young players, coaches, and parents can do to help the game thrive. Highlights include: Will Hooley’s path from youth rugby in the UK to representing the USA Eagles Behind-the-scenes perspective from the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan How Major League Rugby is restructuring for long-term stability and domestic player development The importance of developing rugby IQ early and building strong grassroots programs Preparing for the 2027 and 2031 Rugby World Cups Why the U.S. needs more certified coaches and referees Insights on staying positive, competing in the classroom, and planning life beyond playing   Key Takeaways: Developing rugby IQ early helps players succeed at every level MLR is focused on long-term sustainability and U.S. player growth Positivity, consistency, and belief drive progress in American rugby Coaches and referees are essential for growing the game   About Will Hooley: Will Hooley represented both England U20 and the USA Men’s National Team, playing at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He has competed for Saracens, Northampton Saints, Bedford Blues, and San Diego Legion, and now works in broadcasting and technical leadership for Major League Rugby, helping shape the future of rugby in the United States. worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Key Takeaways Work Ethic Over Raw Talent: Players who consistently perform at 75–80% often surpass the “flashes of brilliance” players who are inconsistent. Integrated Skill Development: Every training element (gym, conditioning, skills) should build decision-making and rugby IQ. Games-Based Conditioning: Using continuous, high-intensity play improves fitness, skills, and decision-making under fatigue more effectively than isolated drills. Culture First: A positive, hardworking team culture can elevate even less naturally talented groups into strong contenders. Holistic Assessment: Evaluating players across psychology, movement, strength, conditioning, and skill leads to more complete development. Success StoriesAt the Brumbies Academy, progression to Super Rugby jumped from under 5% to 25% during his tenure. At the University of Queensland Academy, 17 of 39 “overlooked” players advanced to Super Rugby or higher. Turned around teams like Canberra Grammar School (from expected blowouts to a grand final) and a Scottsdale, USA side (from winless to National Div 3 finalists in two years). Coaching InsightsAvoid rigid structures like 1-3-3-1 that can restrict decision-making. Encourage support-based structures and player freedom to make choices (e.g. counter-attacking from deep). Embrace variety in training to meet the needs of different players and teams.   worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Andrew Cook will be running two lineout sessions at the Summit, helping coaches sharpen their vision, define their non-negotiables, and build efficient lineout systems that spark scoring opportunities. We cover: Andrew’s coaching background and growth at St. Mary’s His approach to developing rugby IQ and player ownership The evolution of his coaching communication style Why the lineout remains the most critical set piece in modern rugby What coaches can expect from his sessions at the Summit   🎟️ Register for the Rugby Development Summit and secure early bird pricing until October 1 at RugbySummit.com worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Darryl shares his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where team culture develops naturally rather than being dictated. He highlights the value of profiling players and teams to tailor coaching approaches, stressing that knowing players personally helps in building stronger, more cohesive teams.   Listeners will also get a preview of Darryl’s summit content:   Day 1 will focus on framing rugby concepts, assessing teams, and developing game plans. Day 2 will dive into team environments, culture in practice, and bringing learnings into team runs.     He also explores how coaching styles differ across cultures, from Japan to the Pacific Islands, and why it’s important for coaches to develop player decision-making regardless of background.   Finally, Darryl stresses the importance of networking and continued learning, encouraging coaches to build lasting relationships, share ideas, and connect across different coaching levels.   Key Takeaway: Attendees should come to the Summit prepared with goals and questions, ready to learn, connect, and grow.   🎟️ Early bird registration closes October 1st. worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

TopicsRecap of 2024 Rugby Development SummitRusty introduced games like 50-22, Rondo, and the banking game Headband technique helped make players feel seen and improved team dynamics Emphasis on problem-solving and giving players autonomy in decision-making Coaches maintained contact with Rusty throughout the year, extending learning Rusty's Recent Coaching ExperiencesTraveled extensively: Iceland, Boston, Spain, Vancouver Island, Seattle, Amsterdam Upcoming engagements: Coaches Voice Conference (Vegas), Women in Rugby Conference (Denver) Implemented games like "Park the Bus" successfully in recent coaching sessions Plans for 2025 Rugby Development SummitIntroduction of "Park the Bus" game, which focuses on defensive strategies in the 22-meter area Continued emphasis on coaching communication skills (e.g., 4-level framework: name, action, timing, visual cues) Focus on coaching individuals within team settings Exploration of "ball out of play" skills and match-day coaching techniques Rugby NorCal UpdatesSolidified position as largest state youth governing body in the country Hiring staff for competition management Working to professionalize and improve the spectacle of rugby events Next StepsFinalize agenda for 2025 Rugby Development Summit Coordinate with St. Mary's Gaels rugby team for demonstrations Rusty to prepare "Park the Bus" game and other new coaching techniques Encourage coaches to register at RugbySummit.com for the 2025 event worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

🔑 Key Takeaways: Nearly 40% of D1A college rugby games were decided by 9 points or fewer, showing rising parity. St. Ignatius (Cleveland) and Charlotte Cardinals are strong favorites heading into nationals, but several contenders could shake up the field. Playing tougher schedules, attending camps/tours, and focusing on long-term player development are critical for teams seeking national recognition. 1. College Rugby Season Recap Cal vs. Life: Cal wins D1A National Championship No team went undefeated in D1A Nearly half of top matchups were close contests Notable program improvements: UCSB, Cal State Long Beach, Mount St. Mary’s Emphasis on growing domestic talent alongside international athletes 2. High School Rugby Landscape St. Francis (NorCal), Torrey Pines & Cathedral Catholic (SoCal) maintained rankings despite early season end St. Ignatius (Cleveland) showed dominance across top-tier matchups Surprise risers NorCal Premier League: Over one-third of games decided by close margins 3. How Teams Can Level Up Play tougher opponents—even at the risk of losing Encourage players to join select sides and off-season camps Create player exchange/tour opportunities (e.g. Oliver Kirk’s NZ tour) Develop players across all age groups, not just high school varsity 4. Nationals Preview Club Tier 1: Charlotte Cardinals are the team to beat Single School: St. Ignatius (Cleveland) enters as favorite, with Herriman in close pursuit Tier 2 Dark Horse: Fort Hunt (VA) highlighted for their explosive and unpredictable style 5. Next Steps for Coaches & Programs Review schedules to include out-of-region matches for national exposure Promote player participation in camps, academies, and tours Support ongoing growth of competitive rugby across all U.S. regions   worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Key Takeaways: • UW Rugby offers partial scholarships and tagged applications that provide recruits an admissions advantage. • Daily training, academic support, and rehab services reflect a high-performance environment. • Character, academics, and work ethic are the cornerstones of Wheaton’s recruiting philosophy. • Strong informal ties to the Seattle Seawolves (MLR), including coaching support and player development opportunities. Topics Covered: • Will Wheaton’s rugby journey: From Shawnigan Lake to head coach at just 22 • The rise of UW Rugby: Post-COVID growth, alumni backing, and climbing the conference ranks • A look at the UW player schedule: Field sessions, gym, film, medical, and study tables • MLR connections: Support from Seawolves players and coaching staff • Recruiting the right players: Focus on character, academics, and team-first mentality • Scholarships and support: Alumni-funded aid and tagged applications Get Involved: Players interested in learning more or beginning the recruitment process should email [email protected] or visit HuskyRugby.com worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Recruitment Form CLICK HERE Topics Matt Sherman's Rugby Background Started playing rugby in high school at Piedmont, California Played at Cal, winning 4 national championships Continued rugby career at Oxford while getting master's degree Began coaching early, including high school team while at Cal   Army West Point Rugby Program Typical cadet schedule: classes, formations, team meals, afternoon training Practice schedule: Mon (weights/film), Tue-Wed (intense field work), Thu (gym/mental), Fri (team run) Program values: trust, commitment, love - doing the right thing, giving best effort, putting team first 2022 National Championship factors: strong leadership, culture improvements post-COVID, depth, few injuries   Recruiting for Army Rugby Look for character first - attitude, effort, living team values Physical ability is secondary to character traits Recruitment process: Junior year: Winter webinar, start application in February Senior year: Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) week, July 7-10 summer camp Encourage talking to Army officers/West Point grads in community   Next Steps Check show notes for Matt Sherman's contact info and recruitment questionnaire Consider attending Army's Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) for rising seniors Look into Army's summer rugby camp July 7-10 (details coming soon) Watch for Army vs Cal Berkeley match on March 15th Continue efforts to grow rugby at all levels to positively influence more lives worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Reach out to Troy: [email protected] Topics Troy Hall's Rugby Journey Started playing rugby at age 5 in New Zealand Moved to the USA, played for various clubs including White Plains and Old Blue Selected for USA Eagles in both 7s (2008) and 15s, playing until 2015 Transitioned to coaching, including roles with Rugby Oregon and Oregon State   Clemson Rugby Program Development Troy took over as Director of Rugby in 2020 during COVID-19 Focused on building relationships, engaging players, and establishing a strong culture Introduced "Mahi" concept (meaning "to work hard") as a cornerstone of team culture Developed a professional-like environment with dedicated facilities and support systems   Player Development and Recruitment Looks for players with resilience, fitness, and willingness to learn Offers individualized skill development and video analysis Runs a remote high-performance academy (Mahi) for holistic athlete development Actively recruits through website and direct communication with Troy   Clemson Rugby Foundation and Alumni Network Foundation supports operational needs, coaching, and field maintenance Recently improved engagement through live streaming of games Working on building a sustainable program with long-term staff and resources   Rugby Schedule and Structure Fall season focuses on 15s, typically 8-9 games Spring season dedicated to 7s, with 7-8 tournaments scheduled   Next Steps Check Clemson Rugby website (clemsonrugby.com) for updated recruitment information Consider applying to Troy's Mahi high-performance program at hallconsultants.com Reach out directly to Troy at [email protected] for recruitment inquiries Look out for potential Clemson Rugby visit to NorCal for recruitment and networking     worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Key Takeaways USA Youth and High School Rugby, formed in 2021, has significantly improved youth rugby's positioning and representation Key initiatives include high-performance partnerships, coaching education (Six Degrees), and developing a comprehensive player pathway Current focus is on building foundations for scalable growth, aiming for 1 million youth players in the future Challenges include geographic spread and competition with established U.S. sports, but rugby community engagement is a key strength   Topics Giovanni Valetti's Rugby Background Born in South Africa to Italian grandparents First rugby experience: 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa Moved to U.S., studied sports management Became Executive Director of SoCal Rugby in 2018 before joining USA Youth and High School Rugby   Formation and Structure of USA Youth and High School Rugby Created in 2021 following USA Rugby's restructuring 501(c)(3) organization focused on youth and high school rugby Board structure with regional representation Aims to insulate youth game from potential issues at higher levels Provides more direct representation for youth rugby interests   Current Initiatives and Programs High Performance Partnership with U.S. national teams Six Degrees coaching education platform Imagine Rugby (non-contact introductory program) Working on integrated strategic plan for player pathway Focus on mass participation and skill development   Challenges and Opportunities Geographic spread makes competition and travel difficult Need to compete with established U.S. sports for participants Current player base is substantial compared to some rugby nations Opportunity to leverage upcoming World Cups (2031, 2033) for growth Building sustainable structures for post-World Cup growth   Community Engagement and Retention Rugby community provides networking, job opportunities, and lifelong connections Focus on retaining players as coaches, referees, and administrators Working to improve communication and engagement with clubs and players Encouraging content sharing from clubs and state organizations for social media   Next Steps Continue developing and promoting Six Degrees coaching platform Expand high-performance initiatives and player pathways Improve marketing and communication to showcase YHS Rugby's work Encourage more content sharing from clubs and state organizations Focus on building sustainable structures for long-term growth beyond 2033 World Cups     worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org

Goffrugbyreport.com [email protected] 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

Chris O'Brien's Rugby Background Grew up in a rugby family, father played at Stanford in the 1950s Started playing at 14-15 years old with the Old Blues club Played multiple sports (football, water skiing) which contributed to his rugby development Represented the USA Eagles national team Transitioned into coaching after playing, including youth, high school, college, and international levels   Cal Poly Rugby Program Development O'Brien is in his 4th year as head coach Focused on building team culture and skill development Scheduling tougher opponents (BYU, Central Washington, Army) to challenge players Balancing academics and rugby, with high GPA requirements for admission (3.6-4.2 depending on major)   Training and Player Development Emphasis on basic skill development and repetition Incorporates video analysis sessions to improve player understanding Pushes players in training to simulate game fatigue and decision-making Utilizes men's club matches to expose players to higher-level competition   Recruitment and Admissions Program is attracting more interest from potential players Admissions are highly competitive (1 in 10 applicants accepted) Cannot tag or influence admissions as a club sport Many players come from the Bay Area   Future Plans and Opportunities Considering organizing summer camps to develop youth rugby in the area Building relationships with the Cal Poly football program for potential crossover athletes Exploring ways to improve fundraising to support team travel and experiences   Next Steps Prepare for upcoming tough stretch of games (Central Washington, St. Mary's, Santa Barbara, Army, UCLA) Continue to develop relationships with Cal Poly football program for potential player crossover Investigate possibilities for organizing summer rugby camps in San Luis Obispo Maintain focus on academics and encourage prospective players to prioritize grades for admission worldrugbyshop.com rugbynorcal.org