GLENDALE, Colo. — USA Rugby High Performance Pathways has announced its coaching staff for Men’s U20 and U23 Junior National Teams. 

Both programs will be overseen by former Men’s 15s National Team Head Coach Mike Tolkin who currently serves as the Director of Rugby for New York Athletic Club. 

The Under-20 program will be led by Eagle alumnus Kyle Sumsion, also the Director of Operations and assistant coach for Army West Point. Sumsion is supported by Colton Cariaga, who leads the USA Men’s U23 program in sevens. Central Washington University’s Todd Thornley will serve as Head Coach of the Men’s Under-23 program in 15s with assistance from current Old Blue Head Coach Dom Wareing. 

David Fee and Brendan Keane continue in their roles as Head Coach of the Men’s U18 programs in 7s and 15s, respectively. 

Tolkin has more than 34 years of rugby coaching experience. He won multiple Super League titles with New York Athletic Club as well as with Xavier HS. And he coached Rugby United New York, taking them to a semifinal in their first season, and was the USA Men's National 15s Head Coach from 2012 through 2015.

“I'm excited to help the United States develop the best possible squad for the world stage. It's with great enthusiasm that I approach working with our Under-20 and Under-23 programs, as well as their very promising and talented coaches," said Tolkin. "I'm also highly motivated to be a part of the talent identification process and to work in tandem with the Eagle coaches and high performance staff to create a streamlined pathway towards future success.” 

Kyle Sumsion was an All American for BYU and was capped six times before injuries put an end to that. He started coaching as a graduate assistant at Lindenwood-Belleville and has been coaching for six years.

“Pulling on the National team jersey and representing the USA is the greatest honor of one's playing career," said Sumsion. "I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to help identify and develop our future Eagles. It’s my goal to develop quality young men on and off the field who can elevate our national team to new heights.”

Todd Thornley has been coaching for eight years and has a background in strength and conditioning. He is the Head Coach at Central Washington.

"I am extremely passionate about working with the Under-23 age group in the development of tomorrow’s Eagles," said Thornley. "In partnership with the High Performance Department, I look forward to creating an environment suited for tangible growth that strengthens the depth of the U23 age-group. It’s an honor to take on this role and I’m excited to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.” 

Dom Wareing has been coaching for more than 16 years and is a World Rugby Coach educator

“I believe this is the most exciting role in rugby to be able to work with the next generation of Eagles in an era when the country is really getting behind the grassroots, high school, college, club, and professional games," said Wareing. "I relish the chance to connect and work with coaches, NDP's and scouts around the USA to build on prior success, identify improvements and contribute to the continued rise of American rugby at all levels.”