USA Men’s High Performance Pathways wrap up talent ID stretch with annual Winter Camp

USA Rugby Men’s High Performance Pathways are gearing up for another key assembly this holiday break, with the annual Winter Talent ID Camp scheduled for Dec 26 - 31 at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista.

This assembly will bring XX of the top Men’s U18 and U20 eligible players from across the country into a daily training environment, to develop international pedigree with young prospects under USA Rugby High Performance coaching. The Men's U18s curriculum will be led by Head Coach Dom Wareing and the U20s by Head Coach Neets Gericke.

Men’s High Performance Pathways Manager, Brendan Keane said on the assembly, “The winter camp is often the first time we get to see many of the players in person and work with them. That time is invaluable as we endeavor to make connections, set standards and expectations. It is also a critical evaluation period. Each player will depart camp with a clear idea of where they stand and what they need to do to continue to improve.

Earlier in December, Men's Eagles Head Coach Scott Lawrence and the 15s Pathway coaches scouted the CRAA Fall Classic in South Carolina, where USA Rugby caught up with Neets Gericke on the competition and talent identification ahead of Winter Camp 2024.

Keen added, “While the camp is not the final step to selection for Summer 2025 tours, it is a step along that path and a major piece within Moonshot 2031. How the players respond to the individual development plans we will make together, buy in to being an Eagle 365 days a year, and play and improve over the course of the spring will be the main factors in players selected for tours and other ongoing development opportunities.”

Winter Camp has for years now been an optimal step for player identification, with 44 of the 97 invites in 2023 going on to selection for 2024 international competitions across both the U18s and U20s. Returning names and new invites again build out the participating Winter Camp roster, furthering the cohesion and player leadership roles Keane and Men’s High Performance Pathways are focused on building within the age group of future USA Eagles.

Men's Eagles Head Coach and General Manager, Scott Lawrence was in attendance for the CRAA Fall Classic, expanding on the collegiate game importance and talent identification path with Moonshot 2031.