USA Rugby Training & Education Launches The American Way Advanced Coaching Program
USA Rugby Training & Education is officially accepting applications for the newly launched American Way Advanced Coaching Program (ACP).
Designed to bridge an existing gap in coach education, the ACP aims to provide robust educational and development opportunities for domestic coaches beyond the World Rugby Level 2 Certification.
By investing in coaches beyond formal accreditation, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of rugby in the United States.
USA Rugby Senior Director of Training & Education, Jamie McGregor said on the program, “We’ve recognized the need for a meaningful bridge between Level 2 and Level 3 Coach certifications. Unlike Level 3, which primarily serves the elite professional game, this program offers accessible continuing education for coaches at every level. By reserving dedicated slots across high school, college, club, and development programs, we’re ensuring that our investment directly strengthens the grassroots foundation of American rugby, making high-level development accessible to anyone leading a team.”
More than just a standard weekend course, the ACP is a comprehensive two-year program providing ongoing mentorship, collaborative learning, practical application, and continuous support to foster growth over time. Led by veteran coach educators Nancy Fitz, Mike Hodgins and Brendan Keane, the curriculum focuses on five core pillars of coach development:
- Technical and tactical rugby knowledge
- Advanced coaching skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Intrapersonal development
- Team culture and organizational management
Delivered across nine targeted modules—ranging from Team Attack/Defense Options and Set Piece to Game Planning, Delivery of Training Sessions, and Player/Team Profiling—the program equips participants with a comprehensive framework to plan, deliver, and reflect on their coaching practice with clarity, adaptability, and impact.
Program Overview & Delivery
The two-year schedule features interactive webinars, roundtable discussions, advanced coaching concepts, and personalized one-on-one feedback. A key highlight of the program includes an in-person assembly held alongside the USA Women’s U18 Winter Camp at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (CVEATC) from December 27–30. These collaborative activities are structured to advance coaches' craft while building lasting "communities of practice" across the American rugby landscape.
Upon completion of the program, participating coaches will be empowered to:
- Apply advanced technical and tactical knowledge of team attack and defense in various team contexts.
- Create robust systems for planning, game management, and performance analysis.
- Serve as capable leaders in developing team culture and managing personnel within rugby organizations.
- Build enduring community relationships for ongoing peer support.
- Take full ownership of their continuous, lifelong development.
Application Details & Eligibility
An initial intake of 20 coaches will be selected for an end-September 2026 launch, with an additional cohort of 20 coaches joining in September 2027.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a current USA Rugby / World Rugby Level 2 Coaching Certification
- Be a member in good standing with USA Rugby
- Currently coach within a USA Rugby-affiliated organization
- Demonstrate a growth mindset and commitment to lifelong learning
Dedicated slots are reserved for coaches representing USA Youth & High School, the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA), NIRA, the USA Club Council, and National Development Programs, alongside open at-large positions.
The fee for the two-year program is $750.
How to Apply:
Interested coaches can submit their application online via the American Way ACP Application Form.
The deadline for applications is September 4, 2026.
For additional questions or further information regarding the program, please contact Program Manager Mike Hodgins at education-northeast@usa.rugby.
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