AUCKLAND, NZL. - The USA Boys High School All-American Sevens (U18s) were nothing short of impressive at SkySport World School Sevens this weekend.
Concluding their run today after a 10-14 loss to Fiji in the Plate Semifinals, the United States showed remarkable defensive grit and attacking cohesion over the past two days.
National High Performance Development Manager JD Stephenson served as Head Coach of the U18s and was immensely impressed by the talent.
"Gutsy performances against some of the best international competition that these boys have ever seen. And, in this age group, some of the most talented players that we've been able to get,' said Stephenson.
"For these guys to end up winning two on Day One against awesome competition and then go down to two nailbiters is a testament to the bright future of American rugby.'
Going 2-1 in pool play, the USA U18s fell to the Condor New Zealand, tied 7-7 at halftime, before the Condors got away with it in the second half, 7-21.
Learning from mistakes, the U.S. side were resilient through both halves against Rugby Academy Fiji, winning 12-7, before an incredible rout of National Indigenous Australia 31-0 showed convincing spirit.
Defense was key all weekend long as the United States put pressure on every opponent to keep scorelines close and remain within touching distance to either make a comeback or run away with the win.
In the Cup Quarterfinals, an intense battle ensued with the New Zealand Fijians where the USA U18s were in the lead until the final 90 seconds. The NZ Fijians scored two late tries to first tie it up then steal the win at 7-12.
And finally, through all 14 minutes of action with Fiji in the Plate Semis, the USA continued to apply its masterful pressure. While Fiji owned all points in the first half, 0-14, the United States shut them out in the second half, ultimately losing by a narrow two conversions, 10-14.
As a whole, performances at World School Sevens have proven that young rugby sevens talent is quickly emerging across the landscape of the U.S.
BHSAA SEVENS ROSTER
| PLAYER | POSITION | CLUB |
| Tohi Angilau (C) | Hooker | USA Sevens Academy |
| Coby Baker | Prop | ISKL |
| Aidan Barry | Scrumhalf | Reeds Weybridge |
| Jake Broselle | Wing | Chuckanut Bay Rugby |
| Noah Brown | Wing | Western Michigan University |
| Angus Kelly | Prop | Cardiff Met |
| Lucas Lacamp | Center | UCLA |
| Donovan Law | Center | Charlotte Tigers |
| Darius Law | Wing | Charlotte Tigers |
| Nate Roeback | Prop | Raleigh Redhawks |
| Levi Summerlin | Scrumhalf | OMBAC Wallabies |
| Colin Turner | Prop | Southern Virginia University |
| Peyton Wall | Wing | Leo Rugby |
| Ben Wierenga (C) | Prop | Valley Center |
BHSAA STAFF
Head Coach | JD Stephenson
Assistant Coach | Brendan Keane
Physiotherapist | Alan Wallace
Tour Manager | OJ Hawea
Strength & Conditioning Coach | Trey Ford
Performance Analyst | Dave Gardner
Operations Manager | Leanne Knox
