Men’s youth high performance rugby will get underway in North Carolina following the holidays with two simultaneous winter pathways camps focused on U18 and U20 XV development and talent ID.
Pathways coaching staff have invited the top 50 prospects in both age grades to attend this 5 day intensive evaluation focusing on cohesion, alignment and elevating the standard across the country as coaches assess prospects for the upcoming Junior National Team Tours including the U20’s Junior World Championship in July 2026.
Head of Men’s Players and Systems, Brendan Keane commented,
“The winter camp is a critical touchpoint in the identification and development of our U18 and U20 players. It provides a focused environment to evaluate where athletes sit in the pathway, reinforce standards, and accelerate growth during a key period of the year when players are otherwise dispersed across different programs.
“The winter camp allows us to align technical, tactical, physical, and mental development while deepening players’ understanding of what it means to represent the United States. For our U20s, this camp is especially important as we build cohesion, clarity, and competitive readiness on the road to the Junior World Championships in 2026.
“Just as importantly, the winter camp strengthens connections between athletes, coaches, and staff, ensuring continuity and alignment as players progress toward higher levels of international rugby. As ever, we will continue to be on the lookout for new talent in 2026 to continually increase the competition for places in all of the Junior National Teams.“
The U20 Junior World Championships will take place in Georgia this coming July 2026 with players born between 2006-2007 eligible, allowing for potential ‘07 born U18’s with stand out performances at winter camp to make a bid at selection.
USA Men’s U20 Winter Camp Invites
USA Men’s U18 Winter Camp Invites
Winter Camp Coaching Staff
Dominic Wareing – U18 Head Coach
Kyle Sumsion – U18 Assistant Coach
Luke Lewis – U18 Assistant Coach
Johannes Gericke – U20 Head Coach
Elvis Seveali’i – U20 Assistant Coach
Marcel Brache – U20 Assistant Coach
Matoko Noudehou – Performance Coach
Lucas Baistrocchi – Performance Coach
Janie Kluempers – Athletic Trainer
Anna Unnasch – Athletic Trainer
Michael Sheridan – Athletic Trainer
Luke Richmond – Performance Analyst
Seth Heldman – Performance Analyst
Eric Jerpe – U18 Team Manager
Darran Coleman – U20 Team Manager