On Saturday, January 21, 2012, 41 EPRU players representing 13 teams met at the University of Delaware Field House for a Rugby 7s Camp. The camp combined the introduction of all aspects of 7s rugby as well as fitness testing.
The Coaches/Evaluators were Biddy Boyle, Chris Ryan, Joe Grohovsky, Bjorn Haglid, B.J. Wolf, Jack Foley and Keith Cassidy. The coaches selected for the 2012 Boys 7s team will be Head Coach: Jack Foley and Assistant Coach: Keith Cassidy.
This will be the first of several 7s Camps to be held before the players are selected.
In 2012, 7s rugby was added to the EPRU Boys High School Select (All Star) rugby program. The goal of the camps being held is to select two sides to compete in tournaments this summer and fall. This is also the start of a strategy in the EPRU to begin evaluating high school players and tracking their progress as they go from grade to grade.
The National Selectors are extremely interested in the high school players as this age group will be approaching their prime by the 2016 Olympics when 7s rugby will be added to the competition.
The EPRU Boys Select wants to thank the University of Delaware and Bjorn Haglid and the Delaware Men’s Rugby Football Club for all their support and assistance. Without it this camp wouldn’t have been possible. The Boys Select also thank Emil Signes, Biddy Boyle, 4x3 Web Development, Chris Ryan, Joe Grohovsky, B.J. Wolf, Jack Foley and Keith Cassidy for providing the experience necessary to teach 7’s skills and to, eventually, form the teams.
Dan Currie
EPRU High School Boys Select (All Stars)