The Rugby NorCal Podcast

Longtime rugby journalist and analyst Alex Goff joins host Nate Dalena for a wide-ranging discussion about American rugby, from the international game to grassroots development.USA Rugby and the Road to 2031Alex discusses Scott Lawrence's approach to building the USA Men's Eagles, including developing younger American players, establishing a physical playing identity, and preparing for the 2031 Rugby World Cup on home soil.The conversation also covers the USA Women's Eagles under Jack Clark and the importance of creating a positive, high-performance environment.College Rugby Rankings and RecruitingHow does Alex Goff determine the top college rugby teams in the country? Alex explains his rankings process, including strength of schedule, quality wins, and the context behind results.They also discuss the financial pressures facing some colleges and why prospective student-athletes should evaluate more than scholarship offers when choosing a rugby program.High School Rugby and the Northern California ModelNate and Alex examine what makes Northern California a strong rugby region, including its concentration of clubs, competitive opportunities, and tiered championship structure.They discuss how smaller clubs can develop players while competing at an appropriate level and how former players returning as coaches strengthen the rugby community.Growing Rugby from the Ground UpThe episode concludes with a discussion about introducing rugby to younger children, particularly ages 4–6, through recreational and non-contact programs.Chapter times are approximate, based on the recording summary.Follow Rugby NorCalWebsite: https://rugbynorcal.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rugbynorcal worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.orggoffrugbyreport.com

USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren joins Rugby NorCal Executive Director Nathan Dalena for a conversation about where American rugby is headed and what needs to happen now to build sustainable growth.Bill outlines USA Rugby’s core responsibilities, from governance and player safety to supporting the community game and developing coaches and referees. He also discusses the importance of creating a rugby ecosystem that keeps people involved in the sport beyond their playing careers.A major focus of the conversation is USA Rugby’s investment in college rugby. Bill explains why the college game is such an important connection point between youth rugby, senior clubs, and the high-performance pathway, as well as the development of a dedicated team to support college rugby operations, events, and marketing.Nathan and Bill also discuss youth and high school rugby, and efforts to establish rugby as a varsity sport in the States.The conversation expands into marketing and visibility, including national broadcasts, short-form social media, local activation around major matches, and the role clubs can play by connecting national rugby stories to athletes in their own communities.With the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles followed by the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup in the United States, the discussion focuses on building the infrastructure now so American rugby can take advantage of those opportunities for years to come.In this episode:• USA Rugby’s priorities and responsibilities• Growing the community game• Investment in college rugby• Youth and high school rugby grants• Varsity rugby and institutional support• Coaching and referee development• Marketing and national visibility• Local storytelling and community engagement• Professionalizing rugby organizations• Creating sustainable pathways beyond playing• Preparing for 2028, 2031, and 2033• Collaboration between USA Rugby and local rugby organizations worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.orggoffrugbyreport.com

https://healthysportsparents.com/ https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-carone-52145778/ What we cover: Where parental pressure really comes from How identity and ego show up in youth sports Why kids value development over winning The “24-hour rule” and why it matters What kids actually want out of sports The current youth sports landscape and where it is heading How organizations can create better environments for athletes Key Takeaways: Parental Pressure is Identity Driven A lot of pressure comes from parents tying their self-worth to their child’s performance. This often leads to behaviors that hurt both enjoyment and development. Winning is Not the Priority for Kids Research shows kids would rather lose in a growth-focused environment than win in one centered only on results. The 24-Hour Rule Avoid giving immediate feedback after games. Let athletes decompress and come to you if they want input. Fun Drives Retention Kids stay in sports when they are: Playing with friends Competing Learning new skills Supported by adults Youth Sports Needs a Reset The system has become overly focused on outcomes, travel, and cost. There is a shift happening back toward development and balance. Why it matters for Rugby NorCal: This conversation reinforces the direction we are taking as an organization: Development over standings at younger ages Long-term athlete growth Creating environments where players want to stay in the game Action Items: Parents: Focus on support, not coaching Coaches: Set expectations early with families Clubs: Continue building development-first environments worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.orggoffrugbyreport.com

Key Topics NorCal Pipeline ~80% of the roster comes from California Strong ties to Jesuit, Danville, SFGG, Marin, and more Kyle’s background as a Granite Bay national champion Program Identity Blue-collar mentality Physical, high-effort rugby Culture built on camaraderie and accountability Player Development Recruiting “rugby players,” not positions Position changes to get the best 15 on the field Young roster with long-term upside Training Environment Year-round indoor training facility Structured, high-intensity sessions Built-in academic balance with winter downtime Strength & Conditioning Same S&C structure as Boise State Football Led by high-level performance staff Scholarship Opportunity (WUI) 3.5+ GPA = automatic qualification $16,000 per year for four years No SAT/ACT required In many cases, more affordable than in-state California schools Why Boise Safe, clean city Strong academics (Business, Nursing, Construction Management) Access to outdoors, travel, and big-time college atmosphere Recruiting Links Website: https://www.boisestatemensrugby.com/ Next Phase: https://app.nextphaserugby.com/dashboard/about-school Recruiting Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNvaKll5OPvfw70nyEX0oZ1T2KhCiWUZuk2FSi6HNfyyxXsA/viewform?usp=header Closing Thought Boise State Rugby isn’t trying to be flashy. They’re building a team that’s tough, physical, and connected. And with the pipeline they’re tapping into, don’t be surprised when they’re competing at the national level in the next few years.               worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.orggoffrugbyreport.com

Key Topics Brendo’s rugby journey • Starting at San Francisco Golden Gate as a sophomore • Lessons from coaches Mike Caravelli and Tony Wells • The influence of the “15 vs 15” philosophy Saint Mary’s College rugby • Why he chose Saint Mary’s • The impact of Tim O’Brien and the program’s culture • The power of the alumni network Building a coaching career • Volunteering for seven years at Saint Mary’s • Joining the USA U20 pathway • Learning foundational coaching from J.D. Stevenson Entering professional rugby • Assistant coach and academy role with the Austin Gilgronis • Working with international coaches and learning professional systems • Experience coaching in Super Rugby Americas with the American Raptors Utah Warriors and MLR coaching • Role as Attack and Backs Coach • Team success leading the league in tries and points • What it takes to run a professional weekly training cycle Player development in the United States • The importance of core skills • Why players must be able to carry, pass, and kick • How watching professional rugby improves decision making The future of professional rugby in the US • MLR’s reset to a smaller league • More opportunities for American players • The importance of community support for the league and national team worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.orggoffrugbyreport.com

Episode OverviewNate sits down with Alex Goff of Goff Rugby Report to break down the current state of high school and college rugby, with a focus on NorCal’s competitive depth and what it takes to reach Nationals.NorCal ParityBoth the Premier club division and Single School Open division are wide open. Multiple programs are capable of winning championships, which makes rankings volatile but raises the overall standard week to week.College Rugby GrowthPrograms like Grand Canyon University and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are rising through strong coaching, affordability, and early playing opportunities. Parity at the college level continues to grow nationwide.Nationals Selection CriteriaFinancial stability, early application, strength of schedule, sportsmanship, and roster integrity all matter. Preparation for Nationals starts long before playoffs.Strategic SchedulingNorCal programs are encouraged to plan now for MLK and Presidents Day 2027 matchups, especially with cold-weather teams seeking tours. Cross-regional play strengthens teams and builds relationships.For coverage updates or corrections, contact Alex directly at:[email protected] worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.orggoffrugbyreport.com

In this episode of the Rugby NorCal Podcast, we spotlight the University of California, Santa Cruz Rugby program and what makes it one of the most compelling D1A club rugby programs in the country.UCSC Rugby competes weekly against varsity powerhouses while maintaining a gritty, athlete-led culture rooted in accountability, adaptability, and academic excellence. The discussion covers the program’s identity, recruiting standards, and long-term development model for student-athletes.What You’ll Learn:What it means to compete at the D1A level as a club programThe “Skill, Systems, Mindset” coaching philosophy and how it develops versatile, decision-making playersHow UCSC supports late-entry rugby athletes and long-term developmentThe impact of the Black and Gold Society, UCSC Rugby’s alumni network providing funding and career mentorshipAcademic and rugby expectations for prospective student-athletes (3.5+ GPA, 16–20 hrs/week rugby commitment)Positions currently being recruited for D1A competitionFeatured Player Pathway:Former Slug Jackson Zabierek shares how UCSC helped him transition from a high-school football player into a complete rugby athlete, ultimately reaching Major League Rugby with the Chicago Hounds. Recruiting Information:Prospective players are encouraged to:Create a profile on Next Phase RugbyEmail UCSC Rugby staff with “Rugby” in the subject lineVisit slugrugby.comThis episode is a must-listen for high-academic student-athletes, parents, coaches, and alumni interested in collegiate rugby pathways and sustainable program building. worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.orggoffrugbyreport.com

 What You’ll Hear in This Episode 1. Inside Syracuse’s High-Performance Rugby Environment How Syracuse evolved from a participation-focused club to a performance-level program in about two years.Overview of facilities: dedicated rugby field with lights, on-site weight room, and a full-time strength & conditioning coach.The role of nutrition, mental skills, and off-field development in their weekly rhythm.  2. The Leinster Rugby Partnership Origin story: how Syracuse alumni connections led to a relationship with Leinster Rugby.What Leinster brings: coaching clinics, a player development framework, and a model for building homegrown talent.How the partnership shapes training design, standards, and long-term pathways for Syracuse players.  3. Program Structure and Player Experience Weekly load: 5 practices per week (around 2 hours per session)2 dedicated weight-lifting sessionsHow coaches support players in balancing academics with rugby (class schedules, communication, and accountability).What it looks like for different levels of experience: Brand-new players finding their footingEstablished college players looking to growMLR and national team prospects seeking a performance environment  4. Team Culture and Standards The values that drive behavior on and off the field.How player accountability shows up: attendance, standards, and peer leadership.The shift from “show up and play” to “compete, improve, and own your development.”  5. Pathways, Community, and Giving Back Syracuse fields three men’s sides and one women’s side, creating playing opportunities for roughly 60–70 athletes.Youth and community outreach: Camps reaching 400+ kidsCoaching education for 135+ youth coachesWhy community involvement matters for player growth and program sustainability.  6. Recruiting and How NorCal Players Can Get Involved What Syracuse is looking for in recruits: Motivation and willingness to competeCoachability and growth mindsetFit with the team’s culture and valuesThe range of academic majors represented and how the team functions as an academic support network.Practical next steps for interested players from Northern California.    Who This Episode Is For  High school players who want a serious rugby environment with strong academic support.Parents and coaches in Northern California helping athletes explore college options.Club and high school coaches curious about how a college program builds culture and performance standards.    How to Learn More / Get Recruited  Program Info: Visit Syracuse University Rugby’s website for roster, schedule, and program details.Recruiting Contact: Colin O’Hare – Leinster Rugby / Syracuse partnership contactEmail: [email protected] (as shared on the episode)Next Steps for Interested Players: Listen to the full episode to hear exactly what the staff is looking for.Reach out with your rugby background, academic interests, and highlight film if available.Consider attending Leinster/Syracuse camps or clinics to experience the environment firsthand.  worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.orggoffrugbyreport.com

Western Washington Rugby operates a high performance D1AA program that mirrors a varsity-style experience. With daily training, film study, and strength work, the program prepares players for top-level domestic and Canadian competition. Head coach Adam Roberts leads a strong staff and an alumni-supported infrastructure that elevates both on-field development and off-field growth.Program Structure and CoachingAdam Roberts is in his first full year as a paid head coach after years of volunteer involvementCoaching staff includes former national team coaches and former high-level playersStrong alumni network and university support help sustain program growthPlayers benefit from stipends, resources, and access to quality facilitiesPlayer Training and DevelopmentDaily schedule includes field sessions, gym work, film review, and recoveryCoaches push players to think clearly under pressure and understand tactical systemsPlayers speak to a major jump in fitness demands from high school to WWUAcademic support, study groups, and accountability structures are built into the programCompetition and TravelRegular matches against leading Canadian universities such as UBC and VictoriaFull conference schedule across the Pacific NorthwestBi-annual international tours, with upcoming travel planned for Ireland and EnglandWorking to increase games against top D1A programs like Cal, Saint Mary’s, and ArizonaTeam plays one of the highest game counts in college rugby nationwideRecruiting PrioritiesMental toughness and gritWork ethic and daily accountabilityVersatility across multiple positionsPlayers who push teammates while adding to a positive team cultureStaff encourages recruits to join calls, ask questions, and explore fitTeam CultureProfessional environment with clear standards and expectationsFocus on long-term personal development, not only rugby performanceCommitment to academics and building habits that transfer beyond sportBalance of hard work, competition, and genuine fun within the squadHow to ConnectInstagram: @WWRugbyWebsite: www.wwurugby.orgCoach Roberts open for Zoom conversations with interested recruitsProgram conducts yearly recruiting trips into Northern and Southern CaliforniaAthletes encouraged to connect through the Next Phase Rugby platform  worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.orggoffrugbyreport.com

In this episode of the Rugby NorCal Podcast, host Nate Dalena sits down with Will Hooley, former USA Eagle, Saracens and Northampton Saints professional, and current Major League Rugby Technical Director.Will shares stories from his playing career in England and the United States, including his experience at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and opens up about his transition from player to media and league operations. Together, Nate and Will explore the growth of rugby in the U.S., the current landscape of MLR, and what young players, coaches, and parents can do to help the game thrive.Highlights include:Will Hooley’s path from youth rugby in the UK to representing the USA EaglesBehind-the-scenes perspective from the 2019 Rugby World Cup in JapanHow Major League Rugby is restructuring for long-term stability and domestic player developmentThe importance of developing rugby IQ early and building strong grassroots programsPreparing for the 2027 and 2031 Rugby World CupsWhy the U.S. needs more certified coaches and refereesInsights on staying positive, competing in the classroom, and planning life beyond playing Key Takeaways:Developing rugby IQ early helps players succeed at every levelMLR is focused on long-term sustainability and U.S. player growthPositivity, consistency, and belief drive progress in American rugbyCoaches and referees are essential for growing the game About Will Hooley:Will Hooley represented both England U20 and the USA Men’s National Team, playing at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He has competed for Saracens, Northampton Saints, Bedford Blues, and San Diego Legion, and now works in broadcasting and technical leadership for Major League Rugby, helping shape the future of rugby in the United States. worldrugbyshop.comrugbynorcal.orggoffrugbyreport.com