USA Rugby High Performance and USA Youth & High School Rugby have announced a series of regional talent identification camps as part of the High School Pathway program.

These camps are set up to find and develop rugby talent across the country, with a goal toward populating the U18s teams (boys and girls) and setting players up for higher honors.

Boys and girls boys in 2007, 2008, 2009, or 2010 are the age-range for the program.

Players age 14-18 are the focus, because those ages are well placed to develop good habits and skills as the players grow physically.

The camps are skill-development-based. Using the benefit of the 6 Degrees program USA Rugby High Performance will be in international-level coaches to refine the skill proficiency of the young athletes.

This will also be an opportunity for players to be seen and identified by pathway coaches. It's a way to start some players on the journey to a national team or higher honors. This is especially important for girls, as this is an earlier age for pathway players to be identified.

"This program represents a further step forward in our efforts to develop young rugby talent across the country," said Brendan Keane, USA Rugby's Director of High Performance. "Through collaboration with USA Youth & High School, Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) and Major League Rugby partners, we're creating a comprehensive pathway for aspiring players to reach their full potential."