Men's & Women's U18s prepare for Global Youth Sevens

The USA U18s sevens programs are gearing up for 2024 Global Youth 7s, taking place December 13-15 in Auckland, New Zealand.

With the competition a few weeks away, the girls’ and boys’ programs announced their traveling rosters as they prep for their international showing. The Women’s U18 program hosted a selection camp in October, with 18 invited to Chula Vista for a 4-day session led by Pathways Head Coach Irene Gardner. From there 16 traveling players were selected for New Zealand with three acting as traveling reserves.

Men’s U18s Head Coach David Fee and staff similarly held a weekend-long selection camp in Chula Vista earlier this month, with just under 30 young prospects in attendance. The Men’s squad will travel with 13 to New Zealand in December.

The 2024 Global Youth 7s tournament will be streamed on NZR+

Gardner said on the player selections, "The core skills of the players across the board is strong for their age group. This was highlighted in their ability to play fast and physical on both ends of the ball. The players new to the U18 7s pathway are exciting additions as they bring their own creativity to the pitch and vision of the game as they use footwork to put themselves and their teammates through space."

On returning athletes creating an early young core, Gardner added, "We have six athletes returning to the Global youth Sevens roster who are now in their first year at a collegiate rugby program. They have been in the USA Rugby Pathway for over a year together and we are excited to see their leadership and on field connection on display in New Zealand."

Men's Head Coach David Fee said on the upcoming tour, "Global Youth Sevens provides a very "7s Series" type of environment - staying together with other teams, sharing some of the best facilities available for training and competition, etc. It also provides a phenomenal cultural experience with an official welcome, a cultural team night, warm up games, community engagements and the tournament itself which takes place over three days.

These are the opportunities to provide a window into next level rugby and to test our young athletes against the best from stalwart rugby nations, and to prove we as the USA can compete. We finished 6th last year, and while we want to improve upon that performance, we want to set the stage for many of these young players' journeys.

Thanks to the generous contributions of the US Rugby Foundation, the Golden Eagles and countless others - we can provide a valuable step in that journey."

Head Coach | Irene Gardner

Assistant Coach | Kelly Griffin

Athletic Trainer | Jackie Rodriguez

Performance Coach | Kristin Zdanczewicz

Head Coach | David Fee

Assistant Coach | Charlie Purdon

Analyst | Luke Richmond

Athletic Trainer | Delaney Cassidy

Manager | Darran Coleman