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 1st 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
No comments:
Post a Comment