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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| USA U18 Girls to Global Youth 7s | |
| Player | Club |
| Shawnee Asiata | Majestics |
| Chloe DeLeon | West Point |
| Kiyanah Edwards | American International College |
| Allie Gabbard | Northern Arizona U. |
| Annie Henrich | Dartmouth College |
| Marley Larkin | Majestics |
| Sana’a Lunon | State College Area HS |
| Cece Rose | Green Bay Banshees |
| Fane Tausinga | Majestic |
| Vasiti Turagavou | Dartmouth College |
| Lola Unga | Lindenwood University |
| Gianna Veetutu | Kent Crusaders |
| Tahna Wilfley | Colorado Gray Wolves |
| Traveling Reserves | |
| Lilly Stough | Waverly-Shell Rock |
| Annabella Vogel | Life University |
| Olivia Frisby | Meridian High School |
| USA U18 Girls Staff | |
| Head Coach | Irene Gardner |
| Assistant Coach | Kelly Griffin |
| Athletic Trainer | Jackie Rodriguez |
| Performance Coach | Kristin Zdanczewicz |
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."
| USA U18s to Global Youth 7s | |
| Player | Club |
| Jameson Beatty | Charlotte Tigers |
| Caden Hartley | South OC Raptors |
| Kingston Hawkins | Cathedral Catholic |
| Spencer Huntley | Cathedral Catholic/SD Mustangs |
| Jacob Martin | Lindenwood University |
| Raylon Murry | Detroit Loyola High School |
| Sikeli Nale | Rebel Rugby Academy |
| Siale Ofa | Saint Mary’s |
| Emasi Rabukawaqa | Santa Rosa JC |
| Reese Reiter | Cathedral Catholic |
| Jake Schumacher | University of Arizona |
| Ryker Syddall | Herriman HS |
| Fatman Thorndyke | Arlington Stallions/New Trier |
| USA U18s Boys Staff | |
| Head Coach | David Fee |
| Assistant Coach | Charlie Purdon |
| Analyst | Luke Richmond |
| Athletic Trainer | Delaney Cassidy |
| Manager | Darran Coleman |
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.
