(KANSAS CITY, Jan. 3, 2023) The pathway to becoming a professional rugby player and future Olympic star could start in Kansas City this January. Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), the highest professional level of rugby sevens in the United States, will host Talent ID Trials in Overland Park for men and women athletes on Sunday, Jan. 28. The tryouts will provide an opportunity for club players and crossover athletes to make a 2024 roster spot and join many of the world’s best rugby sevens stars. [Lead photo: Alex Ho, hoiho.net, for Premier Rugby 7s]
The tryouts will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas High School (11411 Pflumm Rd, Overland Park, KS). Players interested in trying out must be at least 18 and can sign up at prsevens.com/talent.
RELATED: St. Thomas Aquinas Girls Win Missouri 7s Championship
Before the tryouts, PR7s representatives will also host Youth Rugby Clinics on Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Heritage Middle School (600 W. Kansas Street, Liberty, MO). Parents interested in registering their child in grades 1-12 can sign up at form.jotform.com.
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“This marks our first time hosting any league activity in Kansas City, and we encourage all athletes to come out and experience 7s with our professional players and coaches,” said PR7s General Manager Mike Tolkin. “Our league includes some of the best men and women players from around the world, including Olympians and national team players. But we’ve also seen club players and crossover athletes go from trials to a PR7s roster and perform at a high level. An athlete’s path to the highest level of rugby sevens could start in Kansas City in January.”
Last season’s Talent ID Trials hosted by Premier Rugby Sevens attracted over 700 participants, resulting in 33 players joining the PR7s circuit and captivating fans at tournaments nationwide and audiences watching on FS1 and CBS Sports Network.
Youth Clinics Schedule in Liberty on Saturday, Jan. 27
9 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Boys & Girls Youth Clinic for Grades 1-6
9 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Girls Youth Clinic for Grades 7-12
10:40 a.m. – 12 p.m. Boys Youth Clinic for Grades 7-12
Talent ID Trials Schedule in Overland Park on Sunday, Jan. 28
8:30 a.m. Women’s Registration
9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Women’s Trials
12 p.m. Men’s Registration
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Men’s Trials
PR7s continues to pave the way for gender equity in American sports, having achieved significant milestones since its inception in 2021, including equal pay for male and female athletes, the introduction of a professional platform for women’s rugby in North America, and the creation of the Unified Championship that combines men’s and women’s scores into a collective ranking.