Plato and Rugby: Interview with Chris Wyles

written by Vincent McLeod IV

Plato once said that, "a hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men."  As USA Rugby supporters, we tend to forget about the others behind the superb leadership of Captain America, Todd Clever.  However, if you know Rugby and watch the Aviva Premiership ever, you will no doubt know this man; Mr. Chris Wyles.  Originally born in Stamford, CT and raised in Allentown, PA, Chris moved to England when he was 11 years old.  He then went on to study Politics at the University of Nottingham.  Chris has played in over 110+ Premiership and Championship matches and currently plays for Saracens (2010-11 Aviva Premiership Champions!).  He has been a part of the USA 7's IRB World Series squad and played in over 23+ matches for the USA Eagles.  The man has numerous honors from Player of the Year titles to squad of the decade.  Bottom line, you will not find something in Rugby today that Chris Wyles has not been a part of.  SCRN takes an exclusive look at the "Sarries" and Eagles Fullback.

Chris Wyles Interview:

SCRN:  Playing for Saracens and being a key part of their success, you have to feel honored after the 2010/11 season?  What are you feeling like being an American Rugby Player on the winning Aviva Premiership team?

CW:  I feel very honored to have been part of the Saracens squad in the 2010/11 season. In all honesty, winning a Premiership is something I have dreamt about and is the highlight of my career. Its great to be one of the players representing the US in the Premiership.  I hope we can continue to get more and more Eagles players over to Europe. 

SCRN:  Looking ahead to the WC.  Ireland, Russia, Australia and Italy.  The US has to feel good this year about possibly getting out of the group stage.  What is your mental preparation like concerning the upcoming task?  What team are you most excited about playing if you had to choose one of them?

CW:  It will be an extremely tough group to play in. I personally am most excited about playing Russia. I think it will be an epic battle and I look forward to testing ourselves in this high pressure situation. 

SCRN:  Being a well developed player, how do you feel you are received abroad?  Alot of Americans complain about playing overseas since sometimes they are looked at as second rate players.  If you were in this situation, how would you go about getting on with your play?

CW:  I feel that over the last couple of seasons I have made my mark within the Saracens squad. In reality all that is important is that your coaches and teammates are happy with you.  Everything outside of that is irrelevant.  So, I would say as a developing player you should concentrate on working hard for these people. 

SCRN:  We have over 55 clubs and 3500 participants in the SoCal Youth Rugby apparatus.  Our Collegiate scene is growing at one of the fastest paces in the USA right now.  What advice can you give to those who want to pursue a Professional Rugby career? 

CW:  To pursue a professional rugby career I think you need a huge amount of discipline and persistence. Along the journey to a career in rugby you will undoubtedly get knocked down and told you aren't good enough. The ones that see this as a challenge and work even harder will be in good shape. 

SCRN:  Fun Questions from our readers: 

• Stranded in East Croydon, Steve Borthwick or Hayden Smith with you? Well definitely not Hayden so Steve. 
• Chelsea or Man Utd? Man Utd
• Machiavelli or Plato? Plato
• Ben Foden, Chris Wyles or Chris Patterson? Of course Chris Wyles! 
• Indian Curry or Fish n' Chips? Curry 
• David Cameron, Tony Blair or Gordon Brown? David Cameron
• Twickenham or Wembley? Twickenham 
• Favorite Aviva Premiership player? Hayden Smith
• Prince Harry or Prince William? Prince Harry 
• Hyde Park or Green Park? Green Park

The"Polar Bear" talks 7's Rugby: An Interview with Matt Hawkins

The"Polar Bear" talks 7's Rugby:

An Interview with Matt Hawkins
written by Vincent McLeod IV  (Part 2 on 7's Rugby Series)

John Cena has been dubbed the most fierce and intimidating force in the ring, but the nicest man over a beer; Rugby now has a John Cena!  Few Rugby fans and players in SoCal can understand what it is like growing up in Durban, South Africa and learning to play Rugby from our Father in the backyard.  Even fewer can say they have excelled on the USA 7's National Team.  In the end though, only one of us can be the most recognizable player (outside of Todd Clever in 15's) on the 7's circuit today; the Polar Bear himself, Mr. Matt Hawkins.  SCRN recently talked with Matt about 7's Rugby in the area and its future.



 Matt Hawkins Interview:

SCRN:  7's play is clearly growing in the region (and America for that matter).  As you are aware, the SoCal region has the two qualifiers, with all other tourney's being individually run.  Some teams have complained as to the fairness in this, while others highlight the injury prevention argument that playing two big tourney's decreases "season-long" injuries.  What would a 7's circuit in SoCal look like?  Is this a good or bad concept for the area? 

 MH:  I think a circuit type environment is best. We are trying to create constancy the whole way through, from club rugby to the National Team. To be very honest I am not sure what would be the best way to go about it, but it seems that many people here in the region believe we need to develop some thing that becomes a show case all summer long. I believe that the people we have working on it will get it right eventually, we just have to have patience until that point.

SCRN:  You have been attached with Belmont for their National Championship run in 2011.  What did Belmont do, outside of quality of play, to get themselves this big achievement?  What does the team have above all the others?

 MH:  I think the biggest thing that Belmont has had for a few years now, is they create a great team environment with all players and coaches having the same goal and all of them working in a synchronized effort toward attaining that goal.  This year the guys just really seemed to have an awesome team chemistry and I was just really lucky to have been part of it.

SCRN:  Do you think teams are ready to produce athletes (like Ben Gollings) that are purely 7's players for a club?  Is this a realistic vision for SoCal clubs?  Does it really matter if we continue to pull from 15's squads?

MH:  I think it is a realistic goal and I do believe that sevens is going to be the best way to take Rugby in this country to the next level. There is just so much changing and the environment we have here in Socal is perfect for a sevens athlete. We just need to start providing more platforms for people to be doing it for longer periods of time, not just over the summer.

SCRN:  Obviously, being dubbed the "Polar Bear" by the USAR fan base in Rugby Sevens, you are a massive icon of the game in America.  What advice can you give to people looking to make it big like yourself in Rugby?

MH:  Appreciate the kind words. I think you have to realize that in life there are always going to be obstacles no matter what you plan to do or what your goal is and as long as your focused, driven and dedicated enough to put yourself in the best position to succeed then you will get those opportunities and it is then up to you to take those opportunities.  But know and understand that your never to young or to old to have a dream.

 

Q&A with Todd Clever: Captain America (Rugby of course!)

written by Vincent McLeod IV


SCRN - Todd Clever is the most recognizeable iconic figure on the Men's National Team for the USA Eagles. Forget his dazzling hair that everyone cannot stop talking about. This 6'4 (225lbs) Flanker knows the game inside and out! From Rugby in South Africa to New Zealand, USA (OMBAC) to Japan (Suntory), this man has revolutionzed the professional game in the eyes of American fans. SCRN caught up breifly with "Captain America" before his final departure to the Rugby World Cup.

Q&A with Captain America Todd Clever:

SCRN:  You have been dubbed in numerous articles as being one of the nicest guys in Rugby. However, we all know you are one of the fiercest competitors on the Rugby pitch. What advice do you have for those trying to figure out the game of Rugby from a mental approach?

TC:  Sport is often a mental game. When you are training by yourself, and your body wants to give up, that's when you need to push yourself to the next level. When you're on the pitch always give 100%. Off the field, enjoy the friendships you make, often with your opposition - which is one of the best parts of the game.

SCRN:  Not to many supporters know you are from the Southern California basin (Palm Springs). How are you received (with all of your experience) around the world as a top-class Rugby player? Did your early days in Rugby (palm Springs or elsewhere) contribute to who you are now as a player?

TC:  In my early days overseas I always had to prove myself, especially coming from America, but I was fortunately able to do that at all the different levels. I have been well received by the rugby community across the globe, and it is an honor representing the United States.

My early rugby days in Southern California definitely contributed to the player that I am today.

SCRN:  Japan over the weekend, Ireland, Russia, Australia and Italy in the RWC. You have to be thrilled right now. What can you tell your fans in the SoCal region about your emotions being involved in all of these matches?

TC:  Anytime you are able to represent your country in sport is an amazing feeling. And on top of that, with the RWC being the third largest sporting event in the world, is a massive highlight in one's lifetime.

SCRN:  We have a growing base of "smaller/younger" ruggers in the SoCal area with 55 clubs and over 3500 participants (SCYR). In the Collegiate area, we are growing teams sizes faster then most regions (LAU's). What advice can you give those who want to make it professionally like Todd Clever has done? How important is the mental side of Rugby?

TC:  Enjoy the sport, take your opportunities, and success will come. The higher the level you play at, the more important the mental side of rugby is.

SCRN:  Fun questions for Captain America himself:

Sushi in America or Japan? Japan

Favorite region of Japan? Okinawa

Belmont Shores or San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby? San Diego!

San Jose or Los Angeles? LA

Will Ferrel or Steve Carell? Will Ferrel

Favorite Workout method:Bench Press or big rope? Big Rope

Walmart or Target? Walmart

Justin Bieber or Justin Timberlake (fan submitted question to SCRN)? Justin Timberlake

Head Coach Al Caravelli sheds some light on a Domesitc 7's circuit!

A Domestic 7's circuit in the United States: 
Head Coach Al Caravelli speaks to SCRN about his thoughts
written by Vincent McLeod IV 


SCRN had the chance to ask Al Caravelli, Head Coach of the United States Men's National Rugby Sevens Team, a few questions concerning Sevens Rugby in America.  Coach Al was kind enough to help us out with our ongoing project of assessing Sevens Rugby in America and how we can continue to grow it in the future.  The final report and case study, "Rugby 7's in America: A look into the future", is due to be released early September 2011.  We cannot thank him enough for his time!

SCRN:  Concerning Rugby 7's, do you find it helpful for a region to establish a 7's series/circuit for the 7's season?

Al Caravelli:  Yes I do tremendously.  Look how the European circuit has benefited the following teams, Portugal, Spain, Wales, Russia to name a few.  It gives the countries the opportunity to blood new players, give them international exposure, 2 day events which in our domestic competition we usually only play 1 day tournaments with the exception of our club national championships & the national all star championships.  It’s a good education for the athletes as well as the staff, upcoming coaches, trainers, asst coaches, all staff members, it helps the entire program grow with experience.   

SCRN:  Are there any benefits in your mind to having a 7's circuit (especially concerning National team selections)? 

Al Caravelli:  As I noted above it would be valuable so that the 1^st event is not the sevens world series.  It’s a proven formula as South Africa has shown with Cecil Afrika (see below for info); he was on Paul’s development team for 3 seasons before he set foot on the circuit.  I would like to see an Americas circuit played in September.  The tournaments can be played 1 in Chile & Uruguay or Brazil or Argentina representing the south then switch 1 week later in the north to be played in Mexico or Caribbean or Canada. It would be 4 tournaments. You give points similar to the series today. 

Coach Al highlighted many key points surrounding Rugby Sevens development in America.  One needs to realize that educating all of those involved in the "final production" is critical to success on the Rugby Sevens pitch over a sustained time period, as would be the case in a Sevens Series/Circuit.  Two day tournaments also forces teams to learn the skills and tactics required in the game, versus the flip side to this, which results in who can outlast their opponents for six hours in a given day; far too often the case in tournaments throughout America today.  All of these great ideas stem from a man that is atop our current Rugby Sevens structure, and for that we need to all take solitude in understanding that change is approaching for the betterment of a nation.  It is no doubt that Coach Al has a vision for taking the National Team to the highest level yet in its short history.  With quality thoughts like these, we can be rest assured we are in good hands for the time being!  

Can you imagine what the National Team could become if we were to have a competitive circuit for Miles Craigwell, Justin Boyd, Paul Emerick and Matt (the Polar Bear) Hawkins to play within?  Their talent throughout the HSBC World 7's Series would be unmatched; maybe only the great Ben Gollings of England might disagree, but that argument is for another day and time, sorry Ben!

 

The English Model
 
The Premiership Rugby Sevens Series (Known for sponsorship reasons as the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series) is a Rugby Sevens competition for the 12 Aviva Premiership Clubs that will play the following season (i.e. the 2010 competition features the teams playing in the Aviva Premiership in the 2010-11 Season).  It was started in 2010, as an off-season competition, held during the months of July and August.  The 12 Premiership Rugby clubs will be split into three groups for the tournament, with the winner and runner up of each regional event going through to the final.  There will be six games on each evening, with each match consisting of two seven minute halves with a two minute break, ensuring a high-energy and high-scoring game.  Events kick off on Fridays at 7.30pm, finishing at 10.30pm and feature, live music and family entertainment, ensuring a storming night out for all.

Could this happen in Southern California?  US Domestic Circuit?  The answer should be a very clear YES, for if it is not, then we have to assess our true passion for the development of this great sport!



Cecil Afrika
http://www.universalsports.com/news-blogs/article/newsid=529054.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecil_Afrika
http://www.irbsevens.com/news/newsid=2043059.html 

A SoCal 7s Rugby Season/Series for 2012?

 A Rugby Sevens Circuit?
written by Vincent McLeod IV


 (Photo: Alex Ross of Belmont scores a try against OMBAC; courtesy of McLeod Sports)

To the teams of Belmont Shores and OMBAC, the 2011 7's can be written as a huge success.  They have both qualified for Nationals this weekend in San Francisco. 

To other teams, the season leaves members in more wonderment then anything.  How can teams like Santa Monica, under the direction of Tommy Smith, not produce the results needed?  How can talented teams in the San Pedro and greater Los Angeles areas not prove to be quality contenders in 7's Rugby throughout the Southern California area?

One cannot take away the fact that Belmont Shores has had an explosive season this 2011.  The adminstration and coaching staff at Belmont has put together a team that should end up in the Finals this weekend without putting forth little effort.  OMBAC, they have a bit of a tougher road in their Pool for Nationals, but have loaded up their team with current SDSU talent and possess committed players.  Both teams should be credited for their efforts outright.

This then brings us back to our initial concern, where are the others?  Southern California seems to be the only region that plays individual tournaments, with two lone qualifiers before the National Championship of 7s weekend begins.  Does this force teams to wait until the end of July to get serious about 7's Rugby?  If this is to be the case, then would it not hurt a team to play small tourney's in preparation with the fear of injury plaguing the teams?  Of course it would.  The system established right now rewards those teams that stack up their talent until the end of the season. 

Is this really legitimate one could ask?  In a playoff-like structure, you really just have to be mediocre until the time is right to get into the final playoff position.  Just ask the MLS' LA Galaxy in 2010!!!  They win the Supporters Shield and crash out of the playoffs while FC Dallas, a mid table team, takes it all the way to the MLS Finals with the Colorado Rapids, who are in the same boat all season.  Why does the EPL play a points based system?  They play it because it works and rewards quality play throughout the specified season.  Even turning back to Rugby, the JP Morgan Premiership 7's series does not have one event, they have multiple pool dates leading up to the finals at Twickenham.

With all of the questions floating and circulating, would a series of 7's Rugby in Southern California be ideal?  Would 7's programs begin to flourish instead of pulling good 15s players into playing something that in no other Tier 1 nation would they ever play? 

Developing a circuit of 7's Rugby would be the most ideal move the area could take to gain more exposure and recruit players into the mix.  Why not have a Premier and a Social bracket?  All of the obvious signs point to having one circuit, but in the end, how does one find it best to sell the option to the SCRFU, who has for years now been keen on these little "small" weekends.  If Rugby (all aspects of the game) is to grow in the future, we have to get serious about the quality of the structure of Rugby. 

National Championship Brackets (August 6-7)
Pool D   Schuylkill River(Mid Atlantic #1)
OMBAC (SoCal #2)                                                                                         
YoungBloodz(Midwest #2)                                                        
Denver Barbarians(West #2)     
Pool B   New Orleans(South #2)
Boston(Northeast #1)                                                                                  
Hawaii Select (Hawaii #1)                                                            
Belmont Shore(SoCal #1)