UR7s.com columnist Dallen Stanford brings us an exclusive interview with New York Athletic Club (NYAC) coaches Tom Rooney and Jim Egan ahead of the USA National Sevens competition in San Francisco on August 14th and 15th.

Jim Egan is the current administrator for New York’s Rockaway RFC, having played XVs for Rockaway for nearly two decades as well as sevens for NYAC.

Tom Rooney has been a player and administrator for NYAC since 1992. Retiring in 2005 after the Rugby Super League (RSL) championship, he manages the sevens program and assists Jim.

Both coaches played for Al Caravelli during the mid 1990s and early 2000s. They never won a National sevens title, but built an amazing chemistry within the club. Caravelli’s leadership showed, and he was then selected to coach the USA Eagles sevens side. Following that, Egan and Rooney decided to give back to the club and have been coaching since.

NYAC has a rich rugby history, with the club founded in 1973. They have won the Rugby Super League (RSL) XVs competition in 2005, 2008 and 2010.

Dallen Stanford: Firstly, congratulations on another fantastic XVs season, claiming the 2010 RSL title! NYAC has established itself as one of the premier XVs clubs in the country; to what would you attribute this success?

Tom Rooney: I would attribute NYAC’s success to the dedicated coaching staff and administrators that have guided the club for many years. Mike Tolkin, Bruce McLane and Ted Vaccaro have spent more than a decade building a solid platform to teach and cultivate good players. Mike has always been a student of the game and he now teaches these experiences and philosophies to any player that wants to learn the game.

Dallen Stanford: Traditionally the sevens season is not as well attended at various clubs, especially after a long XVs schedule. Has this affected the 7-man game at NYAC over the past decade?

Tom Rooney: It has been both a blessing and a curse. As finalists in 2005, 2008 and this year, our XVs players train and play for 5 months. The sevens season tags an additional 10 weeks, which can become a drain on a player’s work and family. However, the positive vibe around our XVs success has certainly driven some of the players to come out in the summer.

Dallen Stanford: With rugby getting into the Olympics, has this seen an increase in numbers at sevens trainings? And are you able to use the shortened version of the game to introduce inexperienced players?

Tom Rooney: NYAC has always been a strong supporter of rugby. In fact the club is also one of the largest private supporters of the amateur athletes in the Olympic Games. NYAC athletes have participated in the Olympic Games since 1900, and in 2004 NYAC sponsored 39 individuals in various sports such as water polo, wrestling and track & field. I am confident that NYAC will be able to help develop the next generation of gold medalists.

Dallen Stanford: What other sevens tournaments are on your future calendar?

Tom Rooney: We are appreciative of the opportunity the Championship Cup Series (CCS) offers to US rugby clubs and we intend to do our best in Las Vegas in 2011! Regionally, we play the NRU circuit against teams such as Boston, and Old Blue. I personally started playing in Cape Fear in 1990, and think it hosts one of the best tournaments in the country. We intend to play there in 2011.

Dallen Stanford: What sort of numbers do you have at training and how many teams are you able to field during tournaments?

Tom Rooney: We typically enter two sides in every tournament. We generally have 24+ players at practice all vying for a shot at nationals. In the NRU championship, we had two teams in semi finals.

Dallen Stanford: How has your team performed this summer?

Tom Rooney: The team has performed well and responded to our coaches. We have some new faces and young collegiate athletes, so it has taken some time to build chemistry, fitness and communication.

Dallen Stanford: NYAC’s best finish is 6th at Nationals during the 2007 tournament. What can we expect from NYAC at Nationals?

Tom Rooney: We will take one game at a time. All 16 teams are talented and will offer a challenge. We will focus on our game and let the chips fall. The boys are excited to get out there and give it 100%. I can’t ask for more than that!

Dallen Stanford: Which players with Eagle experience are involved in this year’s squad?

Tom Rooney: Justin Hundley has captained our side and has always been a big part of our success. Unfortunately, Troy Hall suffered a neck injury in June and will not make the trip to SFGG. He is a special player and will hopefully be with us in Vegas.

Dallen Stanford: If people new to New York want to join NYAC, whom should they contact?
Tom Rooney: We welcome all players. They can reach me at (917) 538-7455, or contact-
NYAC Rugby Chairman: Ted Vaccaro t.vaccaro@gmail.com
NYAC XVs coach: Mike Tolkin tolkmik@hotmail.com

Thanks to both Tom and Jim for their time, and we wish their team all the best at Nationals next weekend!

This year NYAC are in Pool C with Old Puget Sound Beach,
Charlotte and Aspen. C

Click here to read the official tournament preview.

UR7s.com columnist Dallen Stanford played 7s for the USA from 2006-2009. He will be representing Belmont Shore at Nationals this year, looking to defend their 2009 title. Dallen is an ambassador for the Tackling Cancer Foundation, and also writes for RugbyZone, Rugby IQ, Eagles XV and Pakis Corner.