Key Takeaways:

• UW Rugby offers partial scholarships and tagged applications that provide recruits an admissions advantage.

• Daily training, academic support, and rehab services reflect a high-performance environment.

• Character, academics, and work ethic are the cornerstones of Wheaton’s recruiting philosophy.

• Strong informal ties to the Seattle Seawolves (MLR), including coaching support and player development opportunities.

Topics Covered:

• Will Wheaton’s rugby journey: From Shawnigan Lake to head coach at just 22

• The rise of UW Rugby: Post-COVID growth, alumni backing, and climbing the conference ranks

• A look at the UW player schedule: Field sessions, gym, film, medical, and study tables

• MLR connections: Support from Seawolves players and coaching staff

• Recruiting the right players: Focus on character, academics, and team-first mentality

• Scholarships and support: Alumni-funded aid and tagged applications

Get Involved:

Players interested in learning more or beginning the recruitment process should email coach@huskyrugby.com or visit HuskyRugby.com

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Recruitment Form CLICK HERE

Topics

Matt Sherman's Rugby Background

Started playing rugby in high school at Piedmont, California

Played at Cal, winning 4 national championships

Continued rugby career at Oxford while getting master's degree

Began coaching early, including high school team while at Cal

Army West Point Rugby Program

Typical cadet schedule: classes, formations, team meals, afternoon training

Practice schedule: Mon (weights/film), Tue-Wed (intense field work), Thu (gym/mental), Fri (team run)

Program values: trust, commitment, love - doing the right thing, giving best effort, putting team first

2022 National Championship factors: strong leadership, culture improvements post-COVID, depth, few injuries

Recruiting for Army Rugby

Look for character first - attitude, effort, living team values

Physical ability is secondary to character traits

Recruitment process:

Junior year: Winter webinar, start application in February

Senior year: Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) week, July 7-10 summer camp

Encourage talking to Army officers/West Point grads in community

Next Steps

Check show notes for Matt Sherman's contact info and recruitment questionnaire

Consider attending Army's Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) for rising seniors

Look into Army's summer rugby camp July 7-10 (details coming soon)

Watch for Army vs Cal Berkeley match on March 15th

Continue efforts to grow rugby at all levels to positively influence more lives

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Reach out to Troy: troy@clemsonrugby.com

Topics

Troy Hall's Rugby Journey

Started playing rugby at age 5 in New Zealand

Moved to the USA, played for various clubs including White Plains and Old Blue

Selected for USA Eagles in both 7s (2008) and 15s, playing until 2015

Transitioned to coaching, including roles with Rugby Oregon and Oregon State

Clemson Rugby Program Development

Troy took over as Director of Rugby in 2020 during COVID-19

Focused on building relationships, engaging players, and establishing a strong culture

Introduced "Mahi" concept (meaning "to work hard") as a cornerstone of team culture

Developed a professional-like environment with dedicated facilities and support systems

Player Development and Recruitment

Looks for players with resilience, fitness, and willingness to learn

Offers individualized skill development and video analysis

Runs a remote high-performance academy (Mahi) for holistic athlete development

Actively recruits through website and direct communication with Troy

Clemson Rugby Foundation and Alumni Network

Foundation supports operational needs, coaching, and field maintenance

Recently improved engagement through live streaming of games

Working on building a sustainable program with long-term staff and resources

Rugby Schedule and Structure

Fall season focuses on 15s, typically 8-9 games

Spring season dedicated to 7s, with 7-8 tournaments scheduled

Next Steps

Check Clemson Rugby website (clemsonrugby.com) for updated recruitment information

Consider applying to Troy's Mahi high-performance program at hallconsultants.com

Reach out directly to Troy at troy@clemsonrugby.com for recruitment inquiries

Look out for potential Clemson Rugby visit to NorCal for recruitment and networking

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