USA Rugby Training & Education is officially accepting applications for the newly launched American Way Advanced Coaching Program (ACP).
Designed to bridge an existing gap in coach education, the ACP aims to provide robust educational and development opportunities for domestic coaches beyond the World Rugby Level 2 Certification.
By investing in coaches beyond formal accreditation, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of rugby in the United States.
USA Rugby Senior Director of Training & Education, Jamie McGregor said on the program, “We’ve recognized the need for a meaningful bridge between Level 2 and Level 3 Coach certifications. Unlike Level 3, which primarily serves the elite professional game, this program offers accessible continuing education for coaches at every level. By reserving dedicated slots across high school, college, club, and development programs, we’re ensuring that our investment directly strengthens the grassroots foundation of American rugby, making high-level development accessible to anyone leading a team.”
More than just a standard weekend course, the ACP is a comprehensive two-year program providing ongoing mentorship, collaborative learning, practical application, and continuous support to foster growth over time. Led by veteran coach educators Nancy Fitz, Mike Hodgins and Brendan Keane, the curriculum focuses on five core pillars of coach development:
Technical and tactical rugby knowledge
Advanced coaching skills
Interpersonal skills
Intrapersonal development
Team culture and organizational management
Delivered across nine targeted modules—ranging from Team Attack/Defense Options and Set Piece to Game Planning, Delivery of Training Sessions, and Player/Team Profiling—the program equips participants with a comprehensive framework to plan, deliver, and reflect on their coaching practice with clarity, adaptability, and impact.
