Goff Rugby Report editor Alex Goff spoke with USA flanker Scott LaValla this past weekend and the two discussed a variety of topics in this 24-minute interview.

LaValla started playing rugby as a high-schooler in Olympia, Wash., for the Budd Bay Barbarians under coach Pete Sullivan. He quickly became a Washington Logger select side player, and earned a scholarship from the US Rugby Football Foundation to attend the IRANZ Academy in New Zealand. LaValla became captain of the USA U19 team, and later the USA U20 team.

He attended Dublin University where he started for the Trinity Rugby Club at the school, eventually becoming captain. He then joined Stade Francais, where he has played for the last four season. 

In the interview LaValla talks about what it's like to live overseas, and gives some advice to young players about preparing themselves for live as a professional rugby player. Among his insights: learn the language, more so to get around town and to meet people than to get along on the field; expand your horizons - learn the culture; become an avid fitness enthusiast - a professional athlete will have to run, lift, and pursue his conditioning constantly.

In addition LaValla chimes in on Samu Manoa's move to Toulon next season, saying the French rugby fans are in for a surprise and Manoa will have a major impact on the league. He also discusses the Eagles, saying that he's never seen the USA team with this much good depth.

To listen to the interview click here.