Gap Year Rugby in USA

Question
QUESTION: Hi Nick, my name is Roan and I am 17 years old, originally from the British Virgin Islands but I've been at boarding school in England for 6 years now, this is my final year. I have been playing rugby for the 6 years which I have been here in England, both for school and for a local club. I train back home, with the BVI Senior team and have yet to earn my first cap because I've been over in the UK.
When I finish school, I am planning on taking a year out in which I will be playing regularly for the Virgin Islands team, including a national 7's tournament in Cancun. But, I was also planning on travelling to Australia to attend a rugby academy for 3 months to develop my rugby as well as get in a bit of travel. Now the whole trip to Australia would cost around $8,000 which is obviously too much. I would very much like to do something similar in the US either playing for a team, attending an academy etc. Just for general information, I am a Prop, but play hooker as well and will be moving to Flanker for the Virgin islands. Do you have any information regarding gap year rugby in the US? Anything would be helpful at this stage in my planning.

ANSWER: Hi Roan,

I would look on the website for USA Rugby. The contacts there are all very approachable via email and respond well. I suggest going to the top and sending the same question to the CEO at USA rugby he is a nice guy from what I can tell.

I think his name is Nigel Melville.

My club: Back Bay RFC "The Sharks" are always looking for people to take on but you would need to fund your own way. Like most clubs in the USA we are non-paid players.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks a lot for that last answer, Nick. I am definitely planning on paying my way because as I mentioned, I was planning on spending a huge amount on Australia, so cost shouldn't be an issue if I come to play in the States. One thing which i was trying to find out, but haven't had much luck, was which teams are the best ones to go for as I am trying to play as high a standard as possible, which will of course take me on as a player. Are there any teams or areas which you think could be particularly good for someone in my situation?

Answer
Hi Roan, pretty much any team in the 1st Division and any team that also has a Super League Team. The West coast / Southern California is strong in Rugby. My  team the Back Bay Shark would be interest I am sure. Again the website for USA Rugby lists all the Division Teams and the Super League Teams. I suggest making a list of team based on the areas of the USA you are interested in then research their websites, standings then give their contact a call 9 usually teams have a number on their website.

Go from there. Ask for what you are looking for and pick the team that best suites you.