USA Rugby hopes to make use of Stephenson’s expertise creating the Montana Institute of Sport (MIS). By way of the Varsity Rugby Initiative, the group has optimized regional sources to supply wholesome and sustainable excessive efficiency rugby packages and tournaments. 

By way of the technique of offering rugby curriculum and on-ground property to colleges and youth packages, with the intention of main every in direction of self-sustainability, the MIS program has proven to be a working mannequin for Expertise ID and athlete growth in a regional capability; one USA Rugby Excessive Efficiency Pathways is happy to formulate coast to coast.

Stephenson mentioned on his new place with USA Rugby, “I am excited to return to USA Rugby at a really totally different level in my profession. My first expertise with the group gave me a strong grounding within the nationwide pathway and the challenges of creating gamers throughout such a big, various rugby panorama. Since then I’ve labored throughout skilled rugby, grassroots growth, expertise ID and regional system-building and people experiences have reshaped how I take into consideration participant growth and excessive efficiency.

I am coming again with a wider view of what it really takes to construct an aligned system that constantly identifies, develops and transitions gamers to the worldwide recreation. What excites me most is bringing that have collectively to assist join the nationwide system working intently with the packages, coaches and directors on the bottom, supporting the environments the place gamers practice on daily basis, widening our expertise pool, and making a clearer path to the Eagles.

With LA28 and Rugby World Cup 2031 forward, now we have an actual window to make a direct influence whereas constructing one thing sustainable for the long run. I’ve grown quite a bit since my final time with USA Rugby, and I am able to put that progress to work shifting the pathway ahead.”