St. Mary’s has been just two weeks removed from playing in the DIA 15s final, but this week they will look to pull off a championship double with the USA Rugby Collegiate 7s Championships in Denver, Colo.

It might seem a quick turnaround for the Gaels, but they’ve been hard at work behind the scenes getting ready for this. Joey Reavey, who led St. Mary’s to a national runner up position as they flyhalf/scrumhalf in 2013, is coaching the squad with the regular 15s coaching staff assisting. 

Despite being just a year removed from playing for the Gaels, Reavey has had no trouble getting the St. Mary’s 7s players to buy in.

“The guys have all been really respectful and really want to work,” Reavey told Goff Rugby Report. “They know I was just there at that level and they respect that. Last year when playing I took on more of a leadership role, so that’s not really changed.”

Of course St. Mary’s has a boatload of talent, and in addition, while they are rightly commended for their forward work, their attack philosophy slides so nicely into a 7s mentality that the transition shouldn’t be too hard.

“We have a good idea of the core players we’ll work with, and we have so much talent to work with, really it was a case of letting the guys do the work,” said Reavey. “They make me look good.”

Reavey said he won’t be re-creating anything, but more building on what has been successful over the 15s season. The Gaels will be calling on some accomplished players, with Cooper Maloney, Kingsley McGowan, Dylan Audsley, Mike McCarthy, Vili Helu, and Holden Yungert, to name a few (Kevin O’Connor is expected to be unavailable due to injury), candidates to play this coming weekend.

“We have a good rapport, and I am trying not to do too much,” said Reavey.

“Joey was very vocal and outspoken as a player, and he evolved into a great player, but you could always tell he wanted to be a coach,” said St. Mary’s 15s Head Coach Tim O’Brien. “You knew Joey Reavey would be coaching rugby at some point, so it’s a good opportunity for him to learn. I think it’s important for us to develop young coaches - and referees, as well.”

Somehow, you get the feeling it’s not just about learning a little bit and getting some time in for the Gaels. 

St. Mary's is in Pool B of the 7s College National Championships along with Colorado State, Texas State, and West Virginia.