The NAI 7s Boys U18 competition is in two brackets and both will be hugely competitive.
U18 Boys Open
Many of these teams are club or school teams that play in 15s leagues. Several of these teams, such as Belmont Shore, Elsie Allen, Kansas City Blues, East HS, and Herriman, have played some excellent 7s and some of those have challenged for a title at NAI 7s.
The Belmont Shore Family Seeks Hardware at NAI 7s
But they are also facing select side programs, such as Pioneer 7s—which is always a talented bunch—New Mexico, USA South Panthers, Rock Rugby Academy, and Rebel Rugby Academy.
Rebel Academy Determined Not to be a One-Off at NAI 7s
Boys U18 Elite
This is a smaller bracket than the regular Boys U18 bracket, and that just ensures that each pool game is hugely competitive.
NAI 7s The Venue for Next Phase Rugby's Entry into Select-Side Competition
We did talk about Next Phase Rugby being a new addition, and Atlantis being a longtime program that is mounting a bit of a comeback. Layton Christian made the final last year and cannot be overlooked. They are fast and unified and fit.
The California Grizzlies have their own impressive talent pool, and they should probably be linked with Next Phase, Gorilla, and WAR as select sides with talent who could do well or not depending on how it all comes together.
We didn't mention Rebel Rugby Academy. Yes, well, they're defending champions and return many of the players who won last year. They are favored, for sure, but it won't be easy. Look for that Rebel vs Atlantis game at 10AM on Friday as a key indicator, and then of course there's the repeat of last year's final at 1PM.
You find out a lot then.
