The Global Youth 7s is set to kick off on Thursday afternoon Eastern Time, with eight North American teams in action.

USA U18s

The USA U18s program has two teams in New Zealand, with the USA U18 Girls and USA U18 Boys.

In 2023 the USA teams did quite well in this tournament and set up some players for higher honors.

The U18 Boys finished 6th, while the U18 Girls finished 5th.

USA U18 Girls 5th at Global Youth Sevens

USA U18 Boys Take 6th at Global Youth Sevens

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GRR scouted several of these players, including Sana'a Lunon.

Girls Head Coach Irene Gardner praised the squad: "The core skills of the players across the board is strong for their age group. This was highlighted in their ability to play fast and physical on both ends of the ball. The players new to the U18 7s pathway are exciting additions as they bring their own creativity to the pitch and vision of the game as they use footwork to put themselves and their teammates through space.

"We have six athletes returning to the Global youth Sevens roster who are now in their first year at a collegiate rugby program. They have been in the USA Rugby Pathway for over a year together and we are excited to see their leadership and on field connection on display in New Zealand."

We've highlighted many of these players also.

"Global Youth Sevens provides a very 7s Series type of environment—staying together with other teams, sharing some of the best facilities available for training and competition, etc" said Head Coach David Fee. "It also provides a phenomenal cultural experience with an official welcome, a cultural team night, warm up games, community engagements and the tournament itself which takes place over three days.

"These are the opportunities to provide a window into next level rugby and to test our young athletes against the best from stalwart rugby nations, and to prove we as the USA can compete. We finished 6th last year, and while we want to improve upon that performance, we want to set the stage for many of these young players' journeys."

The US Rugby Foundation and the Golden Eagles provided donations to help fund these teams.