USA Men’s High Performance Pathways complete two extensive Winter Camps over the holiday break

Through the holiday break last week, USA Men’s High Performance Pathways hosted two Winter Camps in Charlotte, NC and Chula Vista, CA with up and coming prospects on the U18 and U20 level coming together for a multi-day assembly under national team coaching.

A regular camp that closed out one of the most active USA High Performance Pathway years to date in 2023, both the XVs and Sevens programs utilized the week to continue young player development and identification.

Leading the U20s camp from Charlotte, Neethling Gericke spoke on the assembly with over 45 athletes in attendance, “For the U20s Winter Camp, we wanted to get our core group of players together for another extended assembly, in order to continue building early connections and set USA Rugby High Performance standards from the start.”

With multiple players from this past summer’s World Rugby U20s Trophy rostered for the camp, the six-day assembly was another opportunity for player pool cohesion with a return to qualification expected in 2024.

Men’s U18s Head Coach, Dominic Wareing led the way for the Chula Vista based camp, adding, "Building on the success of last year’s summer tour, we were excited to see former U18 players progress through competitions, making appearances on the World Rugby U20s Trophy, Global School Sevens in New Zealand and even earning caps with the Eagles. We were extremely excited for this Winter Camp to work with the next generation of Junior Eagles."

"This was the largest talent ID camp held over the last few years, with around 50 young men competing over four days in Chula Vista, hopefully providing more opportunity to a wider range of athletes. It is an amazing group, supported by a world class coaching team coming together for a fun and fast paced training schedule. We hope to see talent and potential enhanced by the player's schools and clubs shine through at the next level.”