Richie Walker / Photo: Mike Lee (KLC fotos for World Rugby)
USA Rugby hosted a Google Hangout press conference with USA Women’s 7s head coach Richie Walker and captain Nicole Heavirland. Amber Cluff (Fresno State) was TRB’s proxy, and reps from Rugby Today, Earful of Dirt podcast and DJ Coil Rugby were also on the call. Cluff recorded the interviews, and man if it wasn’t a welcomed interaction with great information as reward.
I’ve posted two articles so far (trying to give the other entities an opportunity to write and circulate articles, too, but haven’t seen anything yet). I really enjoyed Walker’s breakdown of the team’s opponents in Japan. He goes through strategies for facing France, New Zealand and Japan, and so viewers can watch those games, understand the team’s foci, and know what to watch for. Read more.
The second piece is equally interesting, although I’m a bit baffled as to why the National Development Academies haven’t been promoting this development. Evidently the NDAs have standing, open spots in the Eagle training squad, and the academies themselves decide which of their athletes heads to Chula Vista for 1-2 months. Walker then evaluates their choices at the end of the stay. If it’s not the right fit then, then he sends them home with some “work-ons,” but if it is a good choice, then they could get contracted. Regardless of what happens, that academy can immediately send another player into that vacancy.
The hook is that the academy has to pay for its athletes’ travel to Chula Vista, while the USA 7s program handles accommodation in a group apartment (currently occupied by four athletes), and provides full access to the Chula Vista training center, meals, medical, etc. Read more.
I’m still giving the other media outlets an opportunity to post something from the press conference – because it’s likely that I wouldn’t have this information without some of their inquiries – but that leeway ends tomorrow, Friday. The third piece addresses Walker’s thoughts on what an American 7s team looks like and building toward the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Stay tuned!