by Nigel Melville
Nigel Melville Direct

The Eagles men were clearly disappointed about their opening two games of the Las Vegas Sevens, its pretty obvious that we have some good players, but a loss to Canada can only be put down to poor decision making. With just under 2 minutes to go, we chose to kick a penalty down field and contest a line-out rather than keep possession, something I never quite understand, why turn a 100% possession into a 50-50 contest? Of course, we then lost the line-out and ultimately the game 19-12, a game we should have won.

Next up Fiji, too many points conceded early in the game, then we were left to catch up, a chase we were never going to win. Next up tomorrow Argentina, never easy, they beat Canada tonight, but a game we can win.

During the week USA Rugby staff have been extremely busy making sure that the event runs smoothly and everyone has a great time in Las Vegas. During the week the staff keep in touch via email updating their coworkers with the progress they are making. Here’s a couple of the emails received this evening:

Yvonne Parkhurst, National Teams Administrator wrote:

The USA Women and Stars & Stripes wrapped up pool play today in the Women’s International Invitational. USA went undefeated in their pool with wins over Japan, France and the Maple Leafs. The Stars & Stripes lost their first 2 matches to Canada and the Netherlands but finished with a win over Brazil. The Stars & Stripes play Japan in the Plate semi-finals tomorrow at 9am on the fields outside Sam Boyd. Please come cheer them on! The USA Women play inside the stadium tomorrow at 2:56pm in the Cup Semi-finals v. the Netherlands. Good luck to all of the USA players, Ric and his whole staff tomorrow and Sunday!!

Also, a huge thanks and congrats to Alex Williams for running such a wonderful tournament for the athletes and staff, and of course to Jen Gray and Caitlin for all of their hard work throughout the week. This is my fifth year working with this tournament and it’s by far the best yet!

Eric Taber Manager on the he All American High School team:

Thought I’d pass on the scores from Day 1 of the HSAA’s tournament.

Our 1st side is looking very good with two excellent wins and a draw against a tough British Columbia side. Our 2nds came from behind to beat Ontario as well.

Our 2nd side plays Utah at 8:20am tomorrow and our firsts face Ontario @ 8:40am. Both games will be played on field 6 outside the stadium. Our tournament will conclude at noon on Saturday. If you have a chance, come watch. We have some outstanding young athletes!

Boys High School International Scores
Pool A
HS All Americans 29-10 Dog River Howlers
British Columbia 2 15-7 Utah
British Columbia 2 27-0 Dog River
HS All Americans 38-0 Utah

Off the field of play, I caught up with Serevi and ben Gollings, they held a coaching course this week, it was a huge success and we will be running more in the future.

Tonight I spent time with the USOC delegates, had dinner with Richard and Lisa Vaughan representing our partners Emirates, and tomorrow morning ahead of the action, the USA Rugby Board will meet. A lengthy agenda including the appointment of the next Eagles XV’s Men’s Coach!!
 

With an impressive resume as player, coach and administrator, Nigel David Melville took over as CEO and President of Rugby Operations of USA Rugby, the National Governing Body of the sport in America, in 2006.  In addition to his full time job promoting the sport in the U.S., Melville has launched his own blog, Nigel Melville Direct, to further the discussion and his passion for what it will take to make the U.S. a great rugby playing nation.

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