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Robin Heymann

Perhaps it’s symbolic that in the week that Sevens’ Olympic dreams nudge that bit closer to reality, we can celebrate with two illustrious tournaments this weekend.

As far as the UK is concerned it’s all about the Middlesex Sevens but across the Atlantic it’s a different matter completely. For the USA Club Sevens it’s the big one. After weeks of qualifiers and lung busting regional bragging rights in the unforgiving heat, this weekend (15th-16th) sees the USA National Sevens Championships.

San Francisco is the destination once again, seeing 16 of this year’s best 7s teams from across the country competing in 44 frenetic paced games throughout the weekend.

For the outstretched but vibrant American 7s community this is what the season all comes down to, with the tag of ‘National Champs’ a highly respected commodity.

Unlike the USA 15s Super League where only certain teams with enough financial clout and player depth can compete in the competition, the club 7s circuit is more inclusive as we get to see all the top talent perform throughout the summer.

As is often the case in the States such is the vastness of the country, each region (Mid-Atlantic, South, Pacific etc) has a different qualifying process for the Finals. Some nominate certain tournaments as being a qualifier and the winner automatically gains entry to the Nationals, whilst others have a series of tournaments with the top placed teams going through. According to former USA Sevens player Dallen Stanford, The ‘Nationals’, as it’s coined in 7s circles here, provide the perfect denouement.

Large following

“It is a vital competition in the life of 7s with teams having a larger objective than just winning a local tournament in their respective region. Winning this title is a great accomplishment – and very respected in the sevens community,” said Stanford who plays his club rugby for Belmont Shore.

Following the US sporting culture of statistics, rankings, and play-offs helps build momentum towards the big day in San Fran. With heated discussions and forums on what will happen when the region’s best are mixed up and put in one blender. Much of the heated debate this year has been on the qualifying process and some criticisms of the seedings for the event which are based on the previous year’s performances at Nationals.

“Due to the sheer size of America it is very difficult to please everyone regarding the qualification system. I do believe that in most cases the best teams are represented. It is interesting though that there is no standard qualifying process with certain regions using different methods,” added Stanford.

Impressing Coach

One man who has been regularly seen round the county scouting and mulling over this year’s talent is USA Coach Al Caravelli. With the USA team rebuilding the US circuit is an ideal reconnaissance exercise for him with the majority of his squad in participating throughout.

“All the guys are getting fit. They have a better idea of what is required. The first thing I am looking for is a guy to stand out” said Caravelli.

With both Nationals and the All-Star the following week no club player with International aspirations can claim they haven’t had a decent chance to express themselves in front of ‘Coach’. Attributes such as heart, work-rate, and bouncebackability are areas which Caravelli points out he and his support network will take note of.

“In 2006 our team made Nationals for the first time, playing under the team name OXY Tigers (with Belmont Shore and OXY players), and we managed to beat several of the top sides. After this a few of us were contacted by Caravelli and we attended our first USA 7s training camp,” reminisces Stanford.

Others catching California

Traditionally it’s been the Californian sides which have prospered at the Nationals with OMBAC regularly winning or finishing runners-up throughout the noughties.

“California has several established rugby clubs with plenty of history, finances, and the reputation for attracting some of the country’s leading players. Location and weather has a lot to do with that, plus success breeds success,” said Stanford.

With Belmont Shore arguably the major powerhouse in Super League year on year we are seeing an influx of talent to Long Beach and San Diego.

The West is a region that is also beginning to flourish in the 7s arena, with of course the Gentlemen of Aspen’s running out winners here last year over Standford’s Belmont.

In a memorable final that Belmont led mostly throughout, a Aspen steal and counter attack eventually sent Jesse Pekkala in under the posts to tie the game. Kenyan international Teddy Omondi cheekily slotted the conversion with a back heel to seal the deal.

Omundi is regarded as one the most exhilarating players on the circuit and this season has seen him ply his trade with Aspen’s biggest local rivals, the Denver Barbarians.

Denver to steal Aspen's crown?

The Barbos are this year’s number one seeds and many people’s bet to take top spot in Pool A – with the top two in each group going through. With Max De Achaval providing the flair, and Justin Stencel and Nic Johnson the leadership, they look a good bet. Although Tempe and Life are not sides to mess around with. Life’s player/coach is USA 7s man Tui Osborne, who incidentally helped Riverside to two National Titles too in previous years.

Their big rivals Aspen are clear front runners in Pool D and will look to put a frustrating season behind them. They may have lost out to Denver twice already but took some solace from beating Glendale at Kansas recently. They achieved that without star US Eagles Mike Palefau (2008 MVP here) Leonard Peters and Jason Pye who will all be back come the weekend.

That combined Spencer Scott, Ryan Nichols, Merrit Johnson, Will Martin and the dangerous Brian Naqica are experienced campaigners that believe they are peaking at exactly the right time as they did in ‘08.

Will Nova stumble?

Despite all the groups being particularly tight, Pool C is arguably the tightest. As always Nova have dominated regionally in the Mid-Atlantic but often been bridesmaids at Nationals much to frustration of their faithful manager Bill Gardner. PJ Komongnan is the future for Al Caravelli and has once again been a key cog for Nova. They finished third last year but with this being Gardner’s swansong they are desperate for that inaugural title.

Perhaps unfairly tarnished with ‘bringing in’ overseas talent this year’s major acquisition form the UK has been the ultra-talented Hamish Smales. With Tommi Hughes, Scottie Fraser, Anwar Slaam also in the mix will this finally be their time!?

Their match against hosts San Francisco Golden Gate (SFGG) will be a cracker with Jone Naqica – who Dallen Stanford rates as possessing the best kick-off in the game – and newly installed US Captain Thretton Palamo the headline acts. Chicago Lions, 2007 winners, and a strong Glendale make up this tough pool.

Pool B’s clear front runners are obviously Belmont Shore even if they have lost the USA flyer Justin Boyd with a horrific knee injury. Much will be expected on Standford as well as forwards Riaan Hamilton, Pete Sio, Tony Fratangelo, and overseas back Rob Laird. Six time winners OMBAC have been off key most of the summer, although their confidence building at win at Belmont will give the San Diego outfit belief with Alex Ross and the returning Zach Pangelinan both key men.

And what about those New Yorkers Old Blue? Considered by many to be dark horses they actually have all the tools to be major contenders but are up against it against Belmont and OMBAC.

Playing a more physical brand of 7s on the East Coast could disrupt the more open style favoured by the Californians and with red hot strike overseas strike weapon James Greenwood in form with Ian Elliot also impressing they could do some serious damage.

This year also marks the very first Women 7s National Invitational Tournament (NIT). Although it’s been discussed for a while it’s finally become a reality although with the Nations Cup and the start of the Women’s Premiere 15s league kicking off soon, some teams haven’t made the trip. Nova, entering two sides, will be a tough proposition for the other 8 teams.

Further glory at CCS

It may sound like the wholly competitive USA club 7s scene is in pretty good shape, but with the introduction of another Club 7s series this season the buzz has been intensified further. The Championship Cup Series (CCS) incorporates five qualifying tournaments throughout the year with the finals coming to Las Vegas on the weekend of the IRB USA 7s 2010.

The top two from each tournament will attend the Finals (10 in total) with the field expanded to 12 with two Ryder Cup-esque wild card selections chosen on the basis of a team’s performance and the number of tournaments they enter.

The concept is administered by USA 7s LLC and it’s going to be interesting to find out which tournament will eventually provide the most cache for clubs. For Dellon Stanford it’s an event with a bright rosy future attached to it.

“For now Nationals is still the one to win as it is next weekend, and the CCS competition is only next year. But once the CCS tournament takes place in Las Vegas during the IRB 7s tournament it will definitely surpass Nationals, becoming ‘the one’ to win.”

Finally fulfilling

The good news from the IOC yesterday is only going to be good news from the Club 7s scene here. Sure, the US team will directly get more funding if the sport is included in the 2016 Olympics, but this will surely trickle down to the Regions, although exact estimates are unknown as of yet.

One thing is guaranteed though is the competiveness of clubs with more and more ‘athletes’ turning their hand to 7s. Just look at Leonard Peters.

The former New York Jets and Chicago Bears NFL man is the latest ‘crossover’ star to make a go of rugby, and was recently participating in the World Games for the Eagles.

With many more expecting to follow Peter’s avenue and the Championships and CCS seemingly a natural scouting ground for Al Caravelli, the standards and quality of these huge events will reach another level.

After years of chat, are the States about to finally unlock their potential?