Every year, tryouts bring new faces and new potential to the USAWR program.  It's a hard hitting, grueling four days of rugby meant to test the physicality, mental toughness, and game knowledge of each player.  The new faces on this team help fill in the gaps needed to bring home the gold at the 2018 World Championships in Sydney.  

The United States has the largest and most competitive player pool in the world.  With over 40 teams and 600 athletes, selecting just 16 individuals in a given year can be difficult.  Tryouts are an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved.  Some players will never be back, and some will be future stars, but everyone brings their best game and skills.  In the end, we can be certain that each player has truly earned their spot.

It is incredibly humbling to be selected to compete and train with the other 15 athletes that comprise the 2018 USAWR training squad.  I'm confident that we are in a position to win in Sydney, and retake our top spot in the world.