Photo: Max Rugby – mxfotos.com
The National Development Academy (NDA) 7s tournament featured 105 athletes (see rosters) on seven teams, and invites to the Rugby World Cup 7s camp as well as future resident contracts were on offer. The outing wasn’t so much about wins and losses, but with that said, CCIG went 6-0.
“From [Richie] Walker and [Emilie] Bydwell’s perspective, it was more about talent identification and the opportunity for them to play some high-pressure games,” CCIG head coach Adriaan Ferris said of the USA Women’s 7s coach and USA Rugby Women’s High Performance Manager, respectively. “And the level of competition was much higher [compared to last year]. All the programs in attendance realized this was part of the pathway programming.”
CCIG featured players from its previous two showings in Las Vegas and Dartmouth, and Bay Area players on Walker’s watch list were also invited to the 7s showcase. Madison Porter, a member of USA Rugby DI Club National Champion Life West, was the only new face.
“She picked up a rugby ball three months ago, and this was the first 7s she’s ever played,” Ferris said. “She has the physical capabilities, but the culture and ethos of 7s – the fun of it – [was new to her].”
The day started with the USA Rugby Collegiate All-Americans (read more), and Ferris pinged it as the team’s toughest game.
“They came with energy and were very strong team. We only beat them by a [try or conversion],” Ferris said. “They had that youthful enthusiasm, but after that experience of playing against experienced and club-level players, it took a toll on them. The team is very encouraging for future.”
Ferris was quick to point out MVP Ilona Maher, who had a superb tournament. Impressed with her size, speed and strength, he likened her to difference-makers Naya Tapper and Alev Kelter as dominating forces. A bunch of the 7s Eagles were on hand for the tournament, running touch and mingling with the players and former teammates.
“Our closest game was against Atavus. They were a combination of Seattle and San Diego – two of the top clubs in the country – and so were very knowledgeable and passed very well,” Ferris said. “We really struggled and wasn’t until the last minute that we went ahead. In the first half they exerted so much pressure, and we had to compose ourselves at halftime. We made some changes to the lineup – brought on Bitsy Cairns, who is tenacious at the breakdown, and Amy Naber – and they made a difference.”
Nikki Kenyon / Photo: Max Rugby – mxfotos.com
Of the seven players named to the Dream Team, three hailed from CCIG: Mata Hingano, Nikki Kenyon and Neariah Persinger.
“Nikki Kenyon is a player who stood out for us all three years,” Ferris said. “She’s really worked hard on her game and had an outstanding tournament. There are a lot of players who play nine or halfback in 7s, but it’s not their specialty; it’s her number one position.”
Kenyon was then invited to the World Cup 7s camp.
“I said to her: Now you’ve got the opportunity to work your way onto the World Cup team. It’s a hard ask, but even if you’re not selected, you’ll train with those featured players for 2.5-3 weeks. Get in there and work as hard as you can. You never know,” Ferris said. “You’ve been identified.”
Mata Hingano / Photo: Max Rugby – mxfotos.com
Persinger and Hingano, both capped 7s Eagles, are already in Chula Vista training with the pool.
“Nene’s been identified for a while now. After the Dartmouth tournament, we and [ARPTC’s] Julie McCoy really pushed for her inclusion. She really stood up,” the coach continued. “I love how she plays; she’s just a natural with the ball and moves into space well.”
Hingano, like Kenyon, is a special source of pride for Ferris and the program. The former Danville Lady Oaks player moved into the senior club sphere quickly after high school and earned her first cap last year.
“I excited about players like Mata, who played in high school but needed some refinement. And Nikki, who worked hard to get there. I’m really proud of them,” Ferris said. “We’re really trying to find these opportunities for young players who are not just ready for EATC opportunities yet. Come to us for a year or so for development.”
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