USA Rugby HP and USA Y&HS Unveil Virtual Pathway Program

08.14.2024

GLENDALE, Colo. (USA Y&HS Release) – USA Rugby High Performance and USA Youth & High School Rugby (YHS), has announced the launch of an expansion to the pathway program for American high school aged players.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize player development in American rugby, leveraging cutting-edge technology and world-class coaching methodologies. ‘The High School Pathway’ is designed to identify, select, and progressively develop a large pool of aspiring U15-U18 players nationwide, including coordinated player identification programs, regional and national development assemblies – and a novel ‘Virtual Academy.’

Key features of the initiative include:

Rigorous selection process targeting aspiring U15-U18 players nationwide.
Customized training plans, mentorship, and coaching from top international professionals.
Digital curriculum focused on building player awareness, commitment, and progress within the pathway.
Continuous assessment and reporting modules to monitor baseline fitness, skill standards and understanding.
Annual requalification and open enrollment processes, promoting dedication and excellence among participants.

‍Developed by 6 Degree Sports, the Virtual Academy offers a digital Web-based 'train-in-place' curriculum tailored to enhance players' physical preparation, game understanding and essential skills, towards higher national standards. Players selected into the 2024 Boys U18 National Team were among the first to enroll, with access to the skill assessment and individualized player programs. Through 2025 the program will ramp-up, selecting and annually enrolling 375+ boys and girls from the ages 15-18.

US Youth & HS Partners with Six Degree from Goff Rugby Report on Vimeo.

USA Rugby General Manager of High Performance, Tamara Sheppard said on the program launch, "The ability to leverage technology to improve athlete and coach development in one platform will set new standards for our pathway of high performance athletes and coaches. This is a great innovation to support the next generation of USA Eagles.”

"The Virtual Academy represents a transformative step forward for rugby in the United States," said David Pool, President of USA Youth & High School Rugby. "By harnessing the power of technology and expertise, we aim to cultivate the next generation of elite rugby talent, empowering young athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field."

Participation in the High School Pathway is free to players selected, made possible by seed funding from private donors and a start-up grant from U.S. Rugby Foundation.

At the heart of the 6 Degree platform are Mick Byrne and Nick Leah. Byrne is widely recognized as the world's foremost rugby skills coach and a two-time Rugby World Cup winner with New Zealand, and current Fiji Head Coach. Leah’s experience includes Super Rugby & Super Rugby Academy with the ACT Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels, in the Japanese Top League with Kubota Spears and International 7s, and the Australia men’s 7s.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with USA Youth & High School Rugby, and 6 Degree Sports, to bring this to fruition," added Brendan Keane, USA Rugby Men's High Performance Pathway Manager, "This initiative represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to elevate rugby in the United States and increasingly provide young athletes with the programming and tools they need to succeed on their path to the Eagles."

USA Women’s High Performance Pathways Manager, Martha Daines added, “The launch of this program couldn’t be more well timed as it allows us to build on the excitement of the women’s Olympic performance and to capture the interest of new young players. We’ll be able to broaden our reach within the community, not only seeing more players, but also providing the support they need to reach their dreams.”

In due course, the Virtual Academy will be released to the wider rugby community as a service of USA Youth & High School Rugby membership. The goal of a wider release will be to support ongoing player and coach development and to identify talent across the country from a wider capture net than currently exists. Individual players will be able to sign on to the platform, be assessed, and be assigned their own tailored curriculum. As they increase their skills, they will be able to be identified by the USA Rugby High Performance coaches and brought into the national age grade structure.‍

Enrollment information will be distributed later this summer, preceding a national schedule of regional talent identification camps.