Rugby journalist and analyst Alex Goff joins Nate Dalena on the Rugby NorCal Podcast to discuss the current state and future of American rugby. The conversation covers the USA Men's and Women's Eagles, Scott Lawrence's vision for the 2031 Rugby World Cup, Jack Clark's impact on the women's national team, and the methodology behind Alex's college rugby rankings. They also examine the challenges facing college rugby recruiting, the strength of Northern California's high school rugby structure, and why introducing the game to younger athletes may be essential to growing rugby across the country.
Longtime rugby journalist and analyst Alex Goff joins host Nate Dalena for a wide-ranging discussion about American rugby, from the international game to grassroots development.
USA Rugby and the Road to 2031
Alex discusses Scott Lawrence's approach to building the USA Men's Eagles, including developing younger American players, establishing a physical playing identity, and preparing for the 2031 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
The conversation also covers the USA Women's Eagles under Jack Clark and the importance of creating a positive, high-performance environment.
College Rugby Rankings and Recruiting
How does Alex Goff determine the top college rugby teams in the country? Alex explains his rankings process, including strength of schedule, quality wins, and the context behind results.
They also discuss the financial pressures facing some colleges and why prospective student-athletes should evaluate more than scholarship offers when choosing a rugby program.
High School Rugby and the Northern California Model
Nate and Alex examine what makes Northern California a strong rugby region, including its concentration of clubs, competitive opportunities, and tiered championship structure.
They discuss how smaller clubs can develop players while competing at an appropriate level and how former players returning as coaches strengthen the rugby community.
Growing Rugby from the Ground Up
The episode concludes with a discussion about introducing rugby to younger children, particularly ages 4–6, through recreational and non-contact programs.
Chapter times are approximate, based on the recording summary.
Follow Rugby NorCal
Website: https://rugbynorcal.org
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rugbynorcal