USA Rugby Announces New Junior National Team Pathway for High School Players
Working closely with Men’s Eagles Head Coach and GM Scott Lawrence and Sevens Head Coach Zack Test, new Men’s Head of Player Systems and Development, JD Stephenson has confirmed the process and pathway for upcoming Eagles talent to break onto the USA Rugby Junior National Team radar.
Looking ahead at the 2027 cycle, the USA Men’s U18 program will run as the USA U19’s to extend selection to all high school athletes and align with support from USA Youth & High School Rugby. This elevated partnership will empower High School rugby programs and competitions to help streamline the USA Rugby Talent ID process across the country.
All players currently playing USA Youth & High School Rugby for 2026/2027 season will be eligible for selection. Players who are still age-eligible (U19) but are now in college will form the foundation of the USA Men’s U20 program.
The USA Men’s U18 7s program will remain as is for the annual Global Youth Sevens competition in New Zealand.
Speaking on the alignment, Stephenson commented, “For us, this is about connecting High School rugby with what we’re doing nationally. We want to build an American model for the American game, with the pathway reflecting our geography, our school system, our competitions and the way players develop here.”
“That means better alignment between coaches, competitions and the national team pathway so we can see players more consistently, understand where they are in their development, and give them a clear next step. The goal is to make that journey from high school rugby into the Junior National Teams, and ultimately the Eagles, much easier.”
Speaking on the collaborative effort, USA Youth & High School Rugby President David Pool added, "Together with USA Rugby, we're creating a pathway that is clearer, more accessible and built for the long-term success of the top high school players in the country. This is how we develop the next generation of Eagles."
The first opportunity for players to be seen for talent ID, selection and development will be this December 2026 during the annual USA Rugby Winter Camp.
The 2026 Winter Camps will expand to host locations across the United States. This will include an East and West location as well as a Central Talent ID Day in partnership with the Chicago Hounds. These camps will kickstart the 2027 U19 cycle allowing coaches to assess players’ current physical, technical and tactical levels and set IDP goals to help player progressions.
2026 USA Rugby High Performance Winter Camp Schedule
East Camp: Marietta, GA 12/19-12/22
Central Talent ID Day: Chicago, IL 12/29
West Camp: Fresno, CA 12/21/-12/24
Players not currently in the USA Junior National Team Player Pool, that would like to be considered for the USA Rugby Pathways program should apply via the Player Identification Form »
.png)
.png)
%20(2).png)
.png)
%20(1).png)
.png)
-p-1600%20(2).png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
%20(1).png)
.png)
.png)
%20(1).png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
.png)
%20(1).png)
%20(1).png)
%20(1).png)
.png)
.png)
