Thanks to everyone that submitted a question. I was quite pleased with the response and hope to do this again in the near future.
What do you think is the future for Cal Rugby? Do you think them leaving the premier division helps or hurts College Rugby in the US?
Well, I don't necessarily think that it hurts college rugby in the U.S., but I do think that it signals a shift in the future direction of college rugby. Cal wanted to move to the College Premier Division (DI-A) for two reasons: a more challenging playing field, and potential revenue to improve their programme and college rugby in general. Cal found out that they were basically playing the same teams they were prior to the CPD and that the league wasn't bringing in the money they thought it would. So to them, it didn't really matter if they were in the league or not. I don't know that the same could be said of most other teams in the league, but that isn't your question.
I think that Cal is really aiming to start a rugby conference that would emulate the PAC-12. Not only would this see them play tough schools that are their rival, but would also help integrate the sport further in the university, and other universities as well. Also the chance of ending up on the PAC-12 Network is a motivator. Jack Clark is a great organizer. I think the chances are high that in two years you'll see a PAC-12 rugby conference.
Where do you think Mike MacDonald and Robbie Shaw will end up next season? Also are either still in the national picture?
MacDonald will definitely end up somewhere. My hunch is that he will end up in the RFU Championship with a team like London Scottish or maybe even newly promoted Jersey. Still, I could see him being a great fit for a team in the Premiership that is in need of an experience forward. Shaw on the other hand might have a more difficult time finding a job. Shaw put his career on hold to try and make the World Cup but when that didn't happen, he was pretty fortunate to sign with Leeds. Injuries have certainly taken a toll on him this year and might hurt his stock but I still think he ends up in the Championship. That or a random move to Italy.
Both are definitely still in the national team picture. With Tim Usasz taking a break from playing, Shaw should be the natural backup to Mike Petri. Unless he is injured, he definitely gets called in. MacDonald is also in the picture. Is there anyone better, or who has the potential to be better? His main competition, Mate Moeakiola, is older than he is. The U.S. could bring in a player like Callum Black but I still think MacDonald will still be a large part of this team in a couple of year. That being said, he may take the Summer off, but also may want to play.
What cities would you like to see in the new Grand Prix Rugby National 7s Series...besides LA?
Really we should wait to see if this event is going to be more than a one time event. It looks to be that way with the sale of a franchise to New York, but let's wait and see. That being said, Seattle, San Francisco, Salt Lake, Denver, and Chicago are automatics. I could also see Kansas City, Washington, D.C., and Boston being added to that list, as well as Vancouver and Toronto. They all of the facilities and could draw in great crowds.
Who do you think will receive the remaining 7s contracts?
It was certainly interesting to see the team leave some contracts available, but I guess the USOC and U.S.A. Rugby didn't see anyone worthy. I see players like Don Pati, Taylor Mokate, and J.P. Eloff getting contracts next. The contracts will almost always go to young players and these are the type of players that may not be on the Series next year but could be in Rio in 2016. We'll know more after the CRC and domestic 7's this summer. Oh, Nick Edwards could be in line for a contract.
There are only 2 USA rugby players from the RWC 2011 squad who are 24 yrs old or younger (LaValla, Scully and Pittman). Do you know of any young guns who are ready to make the leap to the national stage?
The first player that comes to mind is Hanno Dirksen but he has to choose to play for the U.S. first. Two other names that come to mind are Taylor Mokate and J.P. Eloff. Mokate is performing really well down in New Zealand and could come back a great player. I could easily see him next to Todd Clever in 2015. Eloff is another interesting player. He certainly has the potential to be a key player in the future. Two more names are Madison Hughes (currently at Dartmouth) and Will Magie (the possible flyhalf of the future). We also can't forget Maka Unufe. So when you really think about it, the U.S. has young talent, they just need a venue for them to play. That is where I think Mike Tolkin will use the Americas Rugby Championship to bring these junior players along.
Will USA Rugby webcast any or all of the D-1, 1-AA college playoffs?
Unfortunately no. Oftentimes, unless it is the final, those type of broadcasts are left up to the team and most can't afford it.
What's the future for Seta Tuilevuka and Paul Emerick?
Playing next to each other in 2015? It's possible. Tuilevuka has been really unfortunate with the number of injuries he has sustained over the last year (in a positive note, he did just get married). He may not be able to stay at Montpellier but I think a stint in the ProD2 would see him return to form next year. He is the future of the centre position for the Eagles. He could get called in for the Summer friendlies.
Emerick's future is a little murkier. Still, if Wasps are relegated, he stays. If not, I doubt it which is really too bad. I think that given the opportunity, Emerick could be an impact player in the Premiership. If Wasps doesn't work out, I think a Championship team snaps him up, but could also return to Life and coaching.
Has Tommy Seymour shown any further interest in playing for the Eagles?
Not to my knowledge. I tried to contact him earlier in the season to ask about his plans but he declined to comment. My impression is that he is really gunning for a spot on the Scottish team and with the way they are playing, he may get it. Out of the three eligible Americans in the Celtic League, he is probably the one least likely to suit up for the Eagles.
Is there anything that USA rugby can learn from Canada rugby who have been more successful internationally?
Turn back the clock and don't revolt! Just kidding of course. The Canadians have a terrific programme but to me they do two things really well. First, they have a great network of alumni and sponsors that keep the game relatively well funded. They can pay for staff to go out and get things down. It is certainly harder for U.S.A. Rugby to do (they really have a hard job and people should rag on them so much) but they could do it. Second, their National Centre of Excellence, is well, excellent. The opportunity for their players to train together is invaluable. The U.S.A. 7's team is getting that now, but if we want to be successful we need to get our team together for more than two months a year.
Are the currently contracted Eagles 7's players still eligible to play for the 15's team? (e.g. Colin Hawley, Tai Enosa, Blaine Scully, Zach Test, Rocco Mauer)
Yes they are and a couple of them may get called into the squad for summer friendlies or the Americans Rugby Championship team (depending on when the tournament is held). Scully was the most likely until he was injured.
