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RE: Las Vegas 7's

I played in the US tournament - think it was called the US sevens series championship (or something like that)

Personally i think it was very well run there were a lot of other games going on that day but everything ran on time and crowds were great also.

Pitches left a little bit to be desired but then Vegas is in the desert!

Huge incentive to try and win $7.5k and a chance to play in front of 15,000 people, i would like to see it continue and get a little more press on the tournament as a whole rather than just the final

From memory:

Belmont won the cup over Chicago Lions

Old Blue won the Plate over Glendale

OMBAC won the bowl/shield over NYAC 

RE: Phys Ed Rugby

I hear you about the football passes - we will enforce a turnover for this infraction but not necessarily in the first session

Over the weeks we gradually add more and more "rugby rules" drip feeding them to the children so they can adapt to them over time whilst still having fun (i know you have only 3-4 weeks)

With 2-5th grade size 4 rugby balls will be fine, if you have the budget and wanted to use 3's with the 2nd graders that would be ideal but they can use a size 4 no problems

Glad you found the USA Rugby docs useful 

Let us know how you get on 

RE: Top Tips To Increase General Daily Activity

One of the things I've come to find with some of my college athletes is that when it comes to steel and iron, they can move heaps of it; however when it comes to their own body(weight), its a struggle. Don't forget that when you get on the field, there is no bench, seat or bar to help stabilize and help you move, lift or perform. Knowing how most struggle with a regular pull-up, know that not all is lost, there are variations of a pull-up for any experience or strength level.

I have gone as far as creating a few BodyWeight workouts from my guys for a few reasons.

*Many do not have access to a gym/weight room when they travel home for holidays or abroad

*It's a bit of a de-load where the body is not as taxed with volume, but yet not going inactive.

*Changing the tempo, position or combinations can create a much more challenging workout (i.e. step-ups, Single Leg, staggered hands, alternated grip, etc).

*Even younger athletes who are still developing physically can benefit from bodyweight routines AND have a heightened sense of control with their bodies.

RE: Issues Faced by Small Colleges in Rugby

Coach Dom and the PRUSA-NYC team can confirm this, but I'm quite certain the NY Manhattan Women's U19 team has benefitted from the PRUSA Phys Ed and after-school programs. As some of the Senior players are coaches in PRUSA programs, they frequently invite young girls to join the U19 team once they have left their Middle School programs. I have no knowledge as to any conversion success, but it's an easy recruiting tool for the club.

I've often thought about the college exposure and you're correct, it does build awareness, support and following. Regarding future players, I would imagine this sort of thing accounts for a low percentage of actual future players as you still have the admissions hurdle to get over as opposed to your regular club side where they won't have to be 'full-time students'. It was a great feeling when we did clinics like that as students because folks saw us as something other than rowdy, adrenaline-junkied college kids who beat each other and partied.

RE: OFFICIAL Why I play rugby & Invictus movie challenge

I play rugby for a few reasons. I first started playing because the coaches of softball were very plitical and I no longer wanted to play for them; I decided to play rugby instead. At first my mother would not sign the waiver and I had to fight for her to do so.

At first I just wanted to play because it looked like a lot of fun and I grew up playing both soccer and football; I love contact sports. After the first practice which I could not attend, my friend of 8 years died on the field. That alone was enough motivation to pressure my mother into signing that waiver.

I finally began playing and fell in love with the sport. I love rugby because of the contact aspect and also the team aspect. I have played many other sports and in no other was the team so close and like a family. The thing I love most about rugby is that no matter where you may go, if you say you play rugby, the team there will welcome you to join. The rugby family does not just extend to your team, but to every team across the world. I love the fact that after games, both teams which had just versed can come together and social afterwards. Rugby is definitely a sport of coming together.

RE: USCRA

USA Rugby intends to roll out a specific College Rugby Department that will address all of the concerns that you highlight in this post. This department will focus soleyl on college rugby and work to sustain the collegiate game. This roll out will most likely take place in 2010. Good things are on the rise!

RE: Changing the Attack Shape

I agree with the fact that going back to the very basics of the game is a good solution.

Simple drills on passing, tackling, mirror runs to keep the line, etc... They also all have to understand that communication is key, because despite what you see in football, soccer, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, etc... your teamates are behind you, never in front.

If I may suggest: if you can already detect skilled players from others, teaming up 1 skilled player with a "beginner" one would be a great way to enhance communication, teamwork and will smooth your work...