The summer has been a good one for women, and it’s still getting better. While details have not yet been released, USA Rugby has formed the Women’s Collegiate All American (WCAA) 7s program, which will field its first team at the Elite City 7s this weekend in Malvern, Pa. Interim head coach Brandon Sparks selected his players from the National All Star Competition (NASC) in Greeley, Colo., earlier this month, and will lead the squad in the four-team competition.

“We took a look at everything, from college 7s nationals, those players who participated in club 7s nationals, and took some coach recommendations,” Sparks said of the 20 athletes invited to the NASC 7s bracket. “The caliber was good. Rugby across the board – men, women, college age – is in a good spot. It’s awesome to see the youngsters from the CRC and college 7s nationals contributing in big ways to senior clubs.”

Figureheads in the Emerging Coach Program handled the hands-on coaching during NASC, to ensure the 7s program aligns with the ethos and teachings of the entire player pathway. Sparks took an advisory role and evaluated attendees.

“Players selected will fit the hard-nosed, exciting style of 7s that I like to coach,” Sparks assured.

The Elite City 7s roster has yet to be released, but Sparks indicated that the majority of invitees will be familiar names (including a few OTC residents). Sparks is a familiar name as well, having coached from coast to coast, men and women, and now currently heading the University of Michigan’s men, and helping the Wolverine women. Although he’s babysitting the WCAA 7s program during its infancy, he plans to reapply for the head coach position when it’s offered. After that, the WCAA 7s will be reassessed, and one or two events will be planned annually depending on the competition year.

“I’m honored to be part of it and have the first go at it; to nurture and grow it,” Sparks said. “It’s always exciting to do something like this. This event [Elite City 7s] will get bigger and better – especially for the women, as more academies form and existing academies continue to invest in the women’s game. It’s exciting to see the first College All Americans play, but I’m really excited for the next 5-10 years to come.”

As Sparks looks into the near future, he sees the WCAA 7s working with the OTC more, but he hopes that the 7s and 15s pathways continue to crossover.

“Specialization will occur no matter what,” Sparks said. “But for the development of a player, it’s good to play both codes. We’re seeing the impact of 7s players in the 15s game – look at Jill Potter at the World Cup. And with the men, you see what the 7s stars are doing for the team in the buildup to the Rugby World Cup. I would hate to see players only play 7s.”

Stay tuned as more details are released.