USRF Sends Two to Sharks Academy

The United States Rugby Foundation are sending two young American players to South Africa to take part in a four week program at the Sharks Academy in Durban, South Africa. The two young men, who have both represented the USA at age grade levels, were granted the scholarships as part of the Graham Downes Rugby Scholarship Program. This is the second year that the program has been in place. Ben Pinkelman, the first recipient of the scholarship, used the training to vault himself into consideration for the Eagles pool in both 15s and 7s.

The Graham Downes Rugby Scholarship Fund was created to honor the late Natal, OMBAC and U.S. Eagle prop. The Fund is designed to provide annual scholarships to promising young rugby players with the opportunity to expand their rugby knowledge by participating in the courses at the Sharks Academy.  

The two recipients of this year’s scholarships are Brian Nault and Hanco Germishuys. Both young players will have all expenses paid to South Africa where they will attend the Academy and train with some of the best in the world for four weeks. Both Nault and Germishuys have already represented the USA with the High School All Americans and USA U20 squads. Both are also on the radar for higher honors with the National team.

Brian Nault, who hails from Shelton, Washington, began playing rugby in the 8th grade and has progressed quickly moving up through the Northwest Loggers system onto the National team radar. Nault has been on tours to England, Portugal, Argentina, Canada, and France with the High School All Americans and the U20s. The versatile back rower has also seen some action in 7s.

Brian’s sights are set even higher now as he stated in a release from the USRF, “My goals in rugby are to reach my greatest potential and to challenge the best around the world. I also want to represent the USA in future Rugby World Cups.”

U.S. Eagles head coach Mike Tolkin has taken notice. “Brian Nault took a very big step with the U20s this spring as he demonstrated great athleticism and rugby prowess. He shows good promise to the Eagle program as he continues to develop at higher levels.”

Nault has already committed to Central Washington University to play college rugby. He’ll join one of the top programs in 15s and 7s in the United States.

The other scholarship recipient came to the USA by way of South Africa. Hanco Germishuys started playing rugby at a young age in his native South Africa and had started to make his way up the representative ladder when his parents moved their family to Nebraska. Germishuys quickly acclimated himself to the American rugby scene as he was a four year starter at Westside High School in Omaha and also a four year selection to the Nebraska Select Side. Germishuys started playing with the High School All Americans at age 14.

Germishuys has shown prowess not only on the pitch, but as a leader having Captained the All Americans on two separate tours. Another back row prospect, Germishuys is another mobile player that has seen success in both 15s and 7s. Hanco has also spent time playing in the Gloucester Academy system and appears poised for a professional career.

“My goals in rugby are to become the best I can be on and off the field. I want to become a pro rugby player and represent my country and be the best in my position!!!” said Hanco in a release from the USRF.

Eagles head coach Mike Tolkin likes what he’s seen so far. “Hanco Germishuys has steadily and successfully moved through the age-grade system and at a young age he continues to play above his years and show why he is one of our top back row prospects.”

Both young athletes are scheduled to arrive in Durban on Thursday June 25th and will report to the Sharks Academy on Sunday June 28th.

To learn more about the United States Rugby Foundation, please visit their website.