Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
USA Rugby has announced the approval of eight National Development Programs that will officially join the High Performance Pathways initiative. Among them are two Major League Rugby teams – the New England Free Jacks and San Diego Legion.
Each program was required to submit a plan for verification with USAR that focused on the development of youth players “outside of scholastic or club programs.” Many were already established academy programs that have developed numerous Eagles both Men’s and Women’s teams in recent years.
Programs will run independently but will collaborate on a continuous basis with USAR’s High Performance staff. Additional academy programs will be considered in 2021.
The initial list of verified programs is as follows:
– American Rugby Pro Training Center
– Eagle Impact Rugby Academy
– New England Free Jacks Academy
– Northeast Academy
– Panther Rugby Academy
– Rhinos Rugby Academy
– San Diego Legion Rugby Academy
– Washington Loggers
San Diego are yet to reveal details but the Free Jacks have published an impressive regional plan that includes the creation of 13 training groups complete with their own team names. Among the monikers are the Southern NH Granite Hammers, South Shore Silver Sharks, and Rhode Island Mutineers.
New England’s regional groups will feed into their top development sides – the Junior Jacks and the New England Independents. The program includes comprehensive skill sessions for players starting at age 6 and running through to senior level. Details can be viewed on the Free Jacks Academy website.
