Welcoming Alex Goff back for a second time Goffrugbyreport.com agoff@goffrugbyreport.com
Goffrugbyreport.com
agoff@goffrugbyreport.com
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