Opening Kick

Opening Kick is a segment devoted to bringing you all Eagles and USA rugby related news in one location.

Eagles/7's:

London Welsh are 'adamant' they have met the criteria for promotion after reportedly settling their stadium issues. If the Exiles are able to hold off Bedford and then win the RFU Championship, American Shawn Pittman could be in the Premiership next year.

Also some good news for Paul Emerick, who looks to have a decent chance of staying with London Wasps after he was not included in a list of 15 players that have left the club.

Elsewhere, Eagles Chris Wyles, Samu Manoa, and Chris Biller are getting set for the Aviva Premiership semi-finals.

Another American in Europe, Hanno Dirksen, is the starting lineup for this Ospreys as they look to beat Munster for a place in the RaboDirectPro12 final.

U.S.A. Rugby has teamed up with Sky High Sports, a rugby touring company.

It goes without saying, but this weekend is a massive weekend for rugby in America!

Could a player like Todd Clever or one of the current U.S.A. 7's team play in the new Sevens Premier League? It's certainly possible.

Matt Hawkins, who is on a break from playing rugby, asks "How do We Develop Rugby in USA?"

College:

College All-Americans head coach says that selection to the team will be different this year.

Life is looking to their semi-final with BYU as a chance to redeem themselves from years past and to show they can be champions.

If St. Mary's are to beat Arkansas St., they'll have to do it without a couple of key players. (Membership required)

The two matches will be close no matter what. Nevertheless, Alex Goff makes his picks.

News has come out that several teams have either dropped out of DI-A or are thinking about. Those confirmed out include, Rutgers and Texas A&M while Navy is thinking about it.

Pat Clifton sorts through all these changes and looks at the future of DI-A Rugby.

The CRC pools are set and feature several rivalries.

Women:

Ahead of the Women's Challenge Cup in London this weekend, the IRB is giving the women's game a boost.

The DI and DII college championships are set for this weekend. Good news for fans, the event will be streamed.

One of the teams looking for a championship is host Stanford, who are led by Aly Gleason. The San Francisco Chronicle also previews the team.

The High School will also crown a champion. One of the teams participating is Downington from Philadelphia.

Forget soccer moms, this mom not only watches her daughter play rugby, but she plays herself!

Club:

The Super League playoff dates have been set and the Western conference champion has been named the host of the final.

Here are the highlights from the Denver Barbarians upset of SFGG last week. Highlanders coach says beating SFGG was all part of the process of getting better.

This weekend it's Life vs. NYAC, Dallas vs. Boston, and Denver vs. OPSB. All matches will be streamed.

Glendale have been one of the DI favorites all season long and if they want that title, they will have to go through a very tough Santa Monica team. Other members of Pool 1 include the Austin Blacks an OMBAC, or in other words, the group of death.