The USA Rugby South u19 program competed for the first time and finished 3rd in the 2014 U19 North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Championships.   

Visit these sites for more information:

• www.usarugbysouthpanthers.com
• www.NACRugby.com

We are beginning preparation for the 2015 NACRA Championships.   Below is a schedule and information on Regional Camps.  We are looking for location to host regional camps -- Please contact us if you are interested in hosting a camp. 

Events & Schedule November 2014 – August 2015

• Ø  November 15-16^th – Camp at Life University – This will be our official kick-off for the 2015 NACRA Campaign.  We shall have a Coach & Management meeting on Friday evening.  Saturday morning session, watch Life’s Elite Training Team play Lindenwood University; Team Meeting and a Sunday morning practice. 
• Ø  March 21-22 -- Camp at Life University - Saturday morning session, watch South Men play Cayman Islands in a NACRA playoff match; Team Meeting and a Sunday morning practice. 
• Ø  Regional Camps & Additional Dates TBD –We have identified several possible dates and are looking to organize a USA Rugby South u19 Camp for any Region/State.  We have plans for 1 and 2-day camps.  There may be a nominal player fee to cover coach’s travel and out-of-pocket expenses to organize and run the camp.  We need enough participation to insure a meaningful scrimmage game which would target around (40) players.  Every Camp must be organized to attract the top-talent with safe playing facilities.  We need a Host Contact to help organize these events.  If you are interested in hosting a camp please contact us as soon as possible. 
• Ø  May 24-26^th (Memorial Day weekend) – Camp at MTSU & Welsh Touring Side.   There will be a 2-day Camp at Middle Tennessee State University that includes a match against a Welsh u19 Touring Side.
• Ø  June 6^th- 7^th Knoxville, TN – Scrimmage Games and Camp at the University of Tennessee – Rugby Park.  
• Ø  June 13^th & 20^th TBD – Possible camps, practices and scrimmages along with having coaches and scouts involved in the USAR High School RAST event.
• Ø  June 27^th – Final Camp TBD
• Ø  July 9^th – 18^th – NACRA – Tournament assembly & Competition Week location TBD
• Ø  August 1st – TBD Possible English Touring side (Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Derbyshire)

Player Requirements

Players must be born between January 1st 1996 and December 31st 1998.  This Program is a Travel all-Star Team and all players need to have a minimum standard of athletic ability and rugby experience.  We also require:

·         Dedication to attend Camps

·         Commitment to a personal Fitness, Strength and Conditioning Program

·         Ability to meet budget requirements through current funds & Fundraising efforts.  Expenses include:

o   Each Player must cover their own travel and lodging at each camp.

o   There may be one-time camp fees at some events.

·         If selected Expenses will include:

o   At this time the exact location of the NACRA event is not yet determined, therefore we cannot give accurate travel & lodging expenses for this event.

o   There will be a Team Fee for kit, apparel and other expenses

o   Passport, Travel Insurance and other expenses

·         Rugby Experience & Athletic Ability

·         Willingness to do Hard Work

·         Ability to follow directions as a player and with Team Management

·         Ability to have a Valid passport

·         IRB Regulation 8 applies to all players in the national U19 teams i.e. born in the country, parents or grandparents born in the country or player resident for previous 36 months.  For more information on the IRB go to http://www.irb.com/index.html

Player Application Process

1.            Read and understand Player eligibility and requirements.

2.            Make sure you can meet the Schedule & Budgeted Expenses for Camp and Tours

3.            Complete Player Application on-line http://www.usarugbysouthpanthers.com/

4.            Have your Coach send us a letter of Recommendation

Coaches & Managers Meeting; Friday November 14^th

Prior to our first camp at Life University we shall have a Coaches meeting in Marietta, GA on Friday at 7:00 Eastern.  Kevin Kitto, Director of Rugby for the USA Rugby South invites anyone interested in coaching, management and supporting the USA Rugby South Programs (men and u19).  Make plans now for this meeting and participate in the weekend camp.

Any Questions, Please contact us.

USA Rugby South u19 http://www.usarugbysouthpanthers.com/   Join us on Facebook…

Coach Mark Williams PantherU19Men@usarugbysouth.com

Kevin Kitto, Director of Rugby; kevinkitto@verizon.net