Alex Ross has rejoined USA Rugby as Head of Performance for the Men’s and Women’s Sevens National Teams.
Based at the U.S. Olympic Training Site in Chula Vista, CA, Ross will lead the physical performance structure for both teams with support and implementation from each program’s individual strength and conditioning coaches.
Ross brings a wealth of experience in athletic performance across a variety of successful sport organizations including his recent appointment with the New York Mets (since 2019), Argentina Rugby (2015-19) and New Zealand Rugby (2012-16).
He also served as the Head of Strength & Conditioning for USA Rugby in 2016 giving him an existing knowledge and familiarity with the history and structure of the union’s high performance programs. Following the Tokyo Olympics and heading into the next cycle, Ross’ expertise will play a crucial role in elevating the physical fitness and performance standards of the USA Sevens brand heading into the 2022 World Rugby Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022, Olympic Games 2024 and beyond.
Ross has a PHD in Sport Science from Auckland University, along with Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology from San Diego State University.
Ross said:
“I’m passionate about the development of rugby in America so am grateful to be able to rejoin USA Rugby. Having viewed the development of the Men’s and Women’s teams from afar in recent years, I’m excited to work with the players and staff to continue growing these programs into world leaders.
“I hope to contribute to developing physical preparation systems which are bespoke to the unique needs of the American rugby athletes which produce purpose-built players capable of consistently winning pinnacle events. It’s certainly an exciting challenge to transform our collective athletic potential into physical dominance on the rugby field.”
General Manager of High Performance Dan Payne said:
“Alex will provide a world class level of expertise and experience for our Olympic athletes that will further contribute to an environment that will be focused on putting medals around the necks of our athletes.
“In addition to preparing and conditioning the athletes, Alex will develop and lead a robust internship program that I am personally very excited about. The initiative will leverage Alex’s world class experience, the daily training environment provided in Chula Vista and our country’s deep supply of students pursuing a degree in sport science/performance related programs.”
