ELITE Rugby recently wrapped up two ELITE Winter Clinics in San Diego and Sacramento. The clinics were a great success with over sixty attendees at each clinic.

USA Backs Coach and Stanford Head Coach Matt Sherman led instruction at each clinic, “The ELITE winter clinics were a great experience for all involved: players and coaches. It was encouraging to see such a high standard of athleticism, skill, and commitment to improvement. Clearly, we are seeing an improvement in standards of play at the high school level. Having so many players come out over their winter break to participate in a pre-season camp, demonstrates how dedicated so many young men are to the game. It’s exciting times for rugby in America.” 

Joining Sherman in instruction at the clinics were USA team members Blaine Scully, Colin Hawley, Duncan Kelm and Alex Ross. “At each camp we give young players the opportunity to learn from current USA players and coaches. Players like Blaine, Colin, Duncan and Alex teach young players modern techniques of the game, but more importantly teach them how to reach their goals”, stated Director of ELITE, Ethan Willis.

These were the first ELITE Winter Clinics and were meant to prepare players for their upcoming seasons. The clinics were received well by parents and coaches alike. One parent said, “Besides being taught fabulous skills, we especially enjoyed the ‘ambassador of the sport’ message ELITE delivers. This message is important to the kids character and social development.” A Coach continued, “My players had a great time and learned a lot. At our very next practice it was very notable that they were a step above the rest of the boys. What a difference the camp made, it was quite clear.”

ELITE Rugby is a 501©3 non-profit dedicated to providing rugby education to young athletes and coaches, and engender confidence and self-esteem on and off the rugby field. ELITE will continue to hold clinics and camps throughout the country in 2012. If you would like more information regarding ELITE Rugby please contact ELITE Director Ethan Willis at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it