In 2011-2012, six alumni from last August’s inaugural Serevi Rugby Academy represented the U.S. in the HSBC Sevens Series. If the early reports are any indication, this year’s crop of Academy players is even stronger and deeper. What’s more, joining Serevi with whistles will be legendary New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens and longtime Argentine great Santiago Gomez Cora.

Joining Eagle veterans like Nu’u Punimata, Garrett Bender, and Miles Craigwell will be the next wave of American talent. Players set to lace up on Wednesday afternoon include BYU’s Ryan Rowdy, Davenport University’s JP Eloff, Life University’s Colton Cariaga, Arizona’s Brett Thompson and High School All American Ryan Matyas. Cal standouts Brad Harrington and Danny Barrett will also participate.

The scene is set for these players to impress. Coaches who will attend all or portions of the June 6-10 Academy at the University of San Diego include U.S. Sevens Head Coach Alex Magleby, College All American Coach Tony Pacheco, High School All American Coach Salty Thompson and National Championship-winning coach of the Chicago Lions Aaron Manheimer.

Host Waisale Serevi commented, “I have the same feeling I used to have before big games – excitement, focus, positive pressure. I am honored to be joined by Gordon and Santiago and thrilled to see 50 players of this caliber. We’re building a pipeline to the national team. This is the future of American rugby and I can’t wait to get started.”

Players wanting to get more info, or to join last-minute should contact Serevi Director of Programming Evan Haigh at 206-359-5384.