Almost 100 Age-Grade Men in Camp with USA Rugby

For the first time since 2019, USA Rugby High Performance Pathways will host its annual Winter Camp, bringing 97 men’s players to the U.S. Olympic Training Site in Chula Vista, CA from December 27 to January 2.

Winter Camp 2021 will invite some of the best U18, U20 and U23 male athletes to train and compete across the week under the guidance of a robust roster of high performance staff. The annual assembly typically serves as a primary touchpoint for players within the Junior National Team pipeline, increasing development and scouting opportunities for senior national teams going into the new year.

Attendees will have the opportunity to train and perform in front of USA Rugby Head of Performance Huw Bevan, USA Men’s XVs Assistant Coach and Utah Warriors Head Coach Shawn Pittman, as well as retired Eagle and current Utah Coach Olive Kilifi. Coaching staff for all three Junior National Teams (U18, U20 and U23) will also be in attendance, giving players the best chance to vie for selections in the new year.

The last Winter Camp was held in 2019 – featuring only U18 players – and saw the likes of Tiai Vavao who went on to compete in the Americas Pacific Challenge with the USA Selects this year. Vavao returns this year to continue his journey through the program.

Players for Winter Camp were selected from high school, college and club programs across the United States, The Eagle Eye Scout Network, and National Development Programs, as well as USA Rugby’s Academy Program, Opportunity Days, and Talent ID Days.

For more information about pathways programs and to nominate an athlete, visit pathways.usa.rugby.

For a contact list of Eagle Eye Scouts in each region, click here.

“We’re excited to revive our winter assembly this year after not being able to assemble last year," said Brendan Keane, Men’s High Performance Pathways Manager. "There is an interesting mix of players that include some returners from previous Junior National Team assemblies and competitions, as well as others who have only recently come on the radar.

“Combined with what we learned in our camps from the summer and the Academy this fall, our aim is to go into 2022 with a good understanding of the needs and talents of the players currently in the pathway as we begin a new year of identification and development. We are also enthusiastic about the staff we have coming in for the camp, many of whom are new to the Junior National Teams on the back of the COVID-19 shutdown.

“For the first time, we will have all the age-grade programs in one place at the same time. This will allow us to work together on our collective vision to play at the next level while developing athletes and offering them an opportunity to express themselves as rugby players.”

STAFF

Huw Bevan | Head of Performance

Brendan Keane | Men’s High Performance Pathways Manager

Shawn Pittman | USA Eagles Forwards Coach

Todd Thornley | Head Coach - USA Men’s U23s

Elvis Sevealii | Assistant Coach - USA Men’s U23s

Liam Gardiner | Performance Analyst - USA Men’s U23s

Kyle Sumsion | Head Coach - USA Men’s U20s

Colton Cariaga | Assistant Coach - USA Men’s U20s

Phil Terrigno | Performance Analyst - USA Men’s U20s

Dom Wareing | Head Coach - USA Men’s U18s

Ollie Kilifi | Assistant Coach - USA Men’s U18s

Ethan Pougnet | Performance Analyst - USA Men’s U18s

Janie Kluempers | Athletic Trainer

Josh Werk | Athletic Trainer/ Strength and Conditioning