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Tommi Hughes of Elite ID and Samurai International has been lucky enough to get himself a summer in the USA playing for National Championship contenders NOVA from Washington. UR7s have helped two up-and-coming 7s players from the UK find teams to play for in America this summer (the other being Hamish Smales of the Kooga Wailers) and both will be keeping the UR7s community up to date with what they get up to, who they meet, the landscape of 7s in America, and finally how NOVA get on throughout the summer as they build up another assault for National glory.

We have five days to go till the USA National 7s championships on the glorious West Coast.

It’s been a relatively quiet two weeks for myself and the boys after such a hectic season. We all seem to be focussing on the challenge ahead and preparing as best as we can.

The good news is that my knee is finally feeling better. Now me and the whole team are being put through our paces on our fitness and skills, to make sure we are sharp come Saturday and Sunday in San Francisco. Some old heads have come out of the closet to aid us at training and it is fully appreciated as the more help we can get the better.

News of our group came through last week, with us facing Glendale, San Fran Golden Gate and Chicago. Tough group but considering some of the other pools it’s not too bad. Our intended itinerary is to fly out on Thursday, have a training session Friday and relax, then come out on the big day, hopefully play our best and come away with something positive.

Looking back at my time here before Nationals it has been a real mix of emotions and events.

I was so excited to come out here and to be injured in the first five minutes of training was horrid. But the boys, apart from some occasional horrendous banter, have stood by me getting me back fit again and the work they have done on the pitch when I have been on the sidelines watching has been quality.

My opinion on American rugby has definitely been changed since being here. The commitment, the passion and the happiness whether teams win or lose is amazing. It’s a country to look out for as the potential over here is incredible! The US seems to breed massive blokes that can all run very very fast so all they need to know is how to play the game and I think the Eagles will be a team to contend with.

It’s not that the American people dislike the game of rugby, they just don't always understand the rules and game-play. But slowly it's coming round and I think in five years rugby will be a much more popular sport in this country, especially if it becomes an Olympic Sport, and I hope to be a part of it.

As for now it’s time for me to get training again and work my behind off for nationals....!

Tommi

Ps – It’s been great to have PJ back and big shout to him as he was honoured by the US Senate recently for his involvement with the USA team at the recent World Games! Check it out below!

Previous Blogs from Tommi:

Playing through the pain for National gain!

Final heartbreak eased by Jenny the Jeep!

Women's rugby in great shape here in States

Huge cars, cleats, first class facilities - welcome to the USA!