Youth Squads progress in Arizona(Taken From rugbydirt.com)

Arizona was the place to be for young rugby players in the US rugby system towards the end of December as both the men’s U-19 and U-18 rugby squads held developmental camps from December 26 through the 31. The U-18 team held its first ever winter training camp and 63 players came out for the event. The U-18 team is in a unique position of being in line for a multitude of upcoming international events, including the U-20 world cup in Wales, and a number of national team events in the coming months and years. The players were primarily high school players although a handful of college freshmen also attended the session.
Alongside the U-18 team, the U-19 squad also held a camp during the same time period and hosted a total of 55 players in the session. The U-19 camp was targeted specifically at developing talent for the Freedom Cup competition where the U.S. will take on Canada in Florida in February. Again featuring a mix of club, college and high school talent, the U-19 coaches are excited to be a part of the age-grade system that allows them to see up-and-coming talent advance through the national team system. With cohesive U-18 and U-19 teams, the U.S. is more confident than ever for the near and distant future for the USA youth programs and eventually the national team itself.