Some USA players and Eagle hopefuls have found a chance to play professional rugby in Japan, and one of those is Will Sherman.
The UCLA grad and former #1 pick in the MLR has plenty of talent and potential, but he has struggled to get time with the Eagles. And that, according to USA Head Coach Scott Lawrence, is that he hasn't played enough high-level rugby.
The same has been true of Rick Rose, who was another #1 pick in the MLR and played at St. Bonaventure. Rose played with Warringah in Australia before picking up an injury. But that experience was crucial.
For Sherman, he has been playing with NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Osaka. He has quickly become a regular starter at second row even though he's only been there for a month.
"I'm absolutely loving it," Sherman told GRR. "The work ethic instilled across the club is impressive and super competitive. Each day is an amazing opportunity to really chase my personal development, and the club has done an amazing job encouraging me to do so. There's also a very high caliber of both international and Japanese players and staff here which will be instrumental in my development over the next season. I'm really trying to prove myself now through these preseason games and learn as much as I can from experienced teammates."
It's been an adjustment for Sherman, who cut his rugby teeth for East HS in Salt Lake City before matriculating to UCLA.
Culturally and linguistically, Japan is quite different from the USA.
"The language is difficult, but I'm taking lessons and learning a little bit more every day," Sherman said. "I'm still trying to just absorb as much of the culture as I can. It's such an amazing country full of respectful people, enriched history, and amazing food to name a few—if you haven't had the opportunity to travel here, I highly recommend it!"
