(PITTSBURGH, Nov. 14, 2023) Pittsburgh Steeltoes, one of eight professional franchises in Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), announced they will host “Talent ID Trials” in Pittsburgh for men and women athletes on Saturday, Dec. 9. 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. Steeltoes representatives will also host a Community Youth Clinic prior to tryouts.
The Steeltoes Youth Clinic and the Talent ID Trials will take place at AHN Montour Junction Sports Complex, 2419 State Ave., Coraopolis, Pa. Players interested in trying out for the Steeltoes must be at least 18 years old and can sign up at prsevens.com/talent. Parents interested in registering their child (grades 1st to 8th) can sign up at form.jotform.com.
“Our goal at PR7s is to grow the sport of rugby sevens in local communities across the U.S. and create pathways to play at the highest levels,” said PR7s General Manager Mike Tolkin. “The Steeltoes and our other franchises have some of the best 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. Youth clinics are equally as important in growing the game as we look to teach the sport to future generations.”
Last season’s Talent ID Trials attracted over 700 aspirants, resulting in 33 players joining the PR7s circuit and captivating fans at tournaments across the nation and audiences watching on FS1 and CBS Sports Network.
Event Schedule for Saturday, Dec. 9:
8:30 a.m. Youth Registration
9-10 a.m. Youth Clinic
9:45 a.m. Men’s Registration
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Men’s Trials
1 p.m. Women’s Registration
1:30-3:30 p.m. Women’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.