USA U18s Sevens squads named for Global Youth Sevens in New Zealand

USA Rugby is proud to announce the Under 18 Sevens teams set to compete at the prestigious Global Youth Sevens tournament.

Following intensive training camps earlier this fall in Chula Vista, CA, Head Coaches Irene Gardner and David Fee alongside coaching staff assessed the country’s top junior talent to select the roster that will travel to New Zealand in December.

The three day tournament brings together the world’s best underage talent and will be held at Dilworth School in Auckland, New Zealand, from December 19-21, 2025. Matches will be live streamed on the Global Youth Sevens accounts

This will be the third appearance for USA Rugby at the Global Youth Sevens which has shown proven development as a platform for building the next generation of US players exposing them to high level competitive international matches against top rugby nations.

These 2025 squads both feature a strong returning core, including 6 girls and 5 boys who will make their second trip to Auckland, which is expected to immediately raise the level of competition.

Women’s Pathways Head Coach, Irene Gardner shared the value the veteran players bring to the set up;

 “6 players return from last year's roster, and three players are coming off the Junior Pan American Games in August. They will undoubtedly continue to raise the level of play as they have over the past year. Specifically, Marley Larkin and Fane Tausinga have been involved at the Women's High Performance level and have begun to emulate national team standards, while also sharing their contagious enthusiasm and joy for the game. We are excited to see the skills and individual style of each member of the team showcased against international competition.

“Players from previous years remain active in the Pathway program and have made strides in either sevens or XVs, highly impacting their high school and collegiate programs,” Gardner explained. “The tournament provides opportunities to play against teams from New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Fiji, and Canada. The tour includes a training session leading up to the 3-day tournament, and the ample number of matches gives the players opportunities to make adjustments and apply learnings in subsequent matches. We’ve seen a lot of growth from game to game from our teams previously.”

On the Men’s side, Head Coach David Fee also has big expectations from his team with 5 players returning to the squad that participated in the competition last year.

“The goal of these trips is to ID Future Eagles and expose them to top level rugby.  So far, 24 athletes from 6 Nations have played in the Global Youth Sevens and are now Olympians from Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, USA, Canada and Tonga.

“This is the biggest team we have assembled over the last 3 years attending this tournament. We have a real opportunity to win some aerial battles.  We want to not only be competing on Day 3 in the finals, but hopefully be in the top rounds and pushing the top teams.

With 6 players eligible to return next year on Fee’s squad, the developmental curve has huge potential and objectives. 

Gardner highlighted the specific areas of growth where the unique experience of being on tour challenges players to step up to the next level.

 “The ability to recover from international travel and training, resilience against strong opposition and in new environments, and the professionalism required in representing USA Rugby within the community abroad are all brought to life at Global Youth Sevens. We are excited for these players and their communities back home that have offered unwavering support in their journeys.”

“We are fortunate to have seven players from the roster who have traveled internationally with the Sevens Pathways program on previous tours,” said Gardner. “While international travel is no easy ask of the players, they will be supported by an experienced staff. The travel time itself will create a great opportunity for the players to connect ahead of sessions in New Zealand.”

In addition to intense training and competition, the team will dedicate time to connect with the local community, participating in cultural events in Auckland.

Irene Gardner | Head Coach

Kelly Griffin | Assistant Coach

Jackie Rodriguez | Athletic Trainer

Kristin "Ham" Zdanczewicz | Physical Performance Coach

Dave Fee | Head Coach

Taylor Howden | Assistant Coach

Luke Lewis | Strength & Conditioning

Delaney Cassidy | Athletic Trainer