Longtime rugby journalist and analyst Alex Goff joins host Nate Dalena for a wide-ranging discussion about American rugby, from the international game to grassroots development.

USA Rugby and the Road to 2031

Alex discusses Scott Lawrence's approach to building the USA Men's Eagles, including developing younger American players, establishing a physical playing identity, and preparing for the 2031 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

The conversation also covers the USA Women's Eagles under Jack Clark and the importance of creating a positive, high-performance environment.

College Rugby Rankings and Recruiting

How does Alex Goff determine the top college rugby teams in the country? Alex explains his rankings process, including strength of schedule, quality wins, and the context behind results.

They also discuss the financial pressures facing some colleges and why prospective student-athletes should evaluate more than scholarship offers when choosing a rugby program.

High School Rugby and the Northern California Model

Nate and Alex examine what makes Northern California a strong rugby region, including its concentration of clubs, competitive opportunities, and tiered championship structure.

They discuss how smaller clubs can develop players while competing at an appropriate level and how former players returning as coaches strengthen the rugby community.

Growing Rugby from the Ground Up

The episode concludes with a discussion about introducing rugby to younger children, particularly ages 4–6, through recreational and non-contact programs.

Chapter times are approximate, based on the recording summary.

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