(SAN FRANCISCO, March 20, 2025) – Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s) and its Bay Area professional franchise, the Golden State Retrievers, today announced they have launched the Golden State Rugby Academy, an elite U19 rugby training program designed to develop high school athletes for collegiate and professional opportunities. Open to boys and girls in grades 9-12, the academy provides expert coaching, including 2024 U.S. Olympian and PR7s star Naima Fuala’au. Athletes can expect structured training and high-level competition to help players take the next step in their rugby careers.
The Golden State Rugby Academy will feature a nine-week season with two weekly practices, a specialized training camp, and an end-of-season tournament where athletes will compete against top teams. Led by experienced coaches and PR7s professionals, the program will focus on skill development, game strategy, and preparation for collegiate and professional rugby pathways.
“The Bay Area has long been a stronghold for rugby, and we’re excited to expand opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and compete at the highest level,” said Mike Tolkin, General Manager of Premier Rugby Sevens. “This academy is designed to give players the tools, coaching, and exposure they need to succeed.”
Tryouts for the Golden State Rugby Academy will take place on the following dates:
- Sunday, March 23 – Wilder Field #1, 101 Wilder Rd, Orinda, CA 94563
- Boys: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Girls: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Sunday, March 30 – RichMay Memorial Field, 1425 Bay Rd, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
- Boys: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Girls: 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
The academy season runs from April 14 to June 11, with practices held on Wednesdays and Fridays. A dedicated skills training camp will take place on May 10, providing intensive player development ahead of the season-ending tournament.
The academy will be led by an accomplished coaching staff, including Fuala’au, who represented the United States in multiple international competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. He will be joined by Tyra Norlander, a PR7s athlete and Sweden National Team player; Angelina Lomu, a former Tonga National Team player and standout in Bay Area rugby; and Jessica Lewis, a five-time All-American at Cal and current Cal Rugby coach.
Spots for the academy are limited, and registration is now open at PRSevens.com/GoldenStateAcademy.
About Premier Rugby Sevens
Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), the highest professional level of rugby sevens in the United States and a proud partner of USA Rugby, is a revolutionary circuit showcasing the most electric men’s and women’s athletes on the planet. PR7s brings the global excitement of rugby through a fast-paced, high-scoring on-field experience, complemented by engaging fan festivals throughout North America. As a traveling circuit with a focus on North America, PR7s is the fastest, toughest, and most electrifying game on the planet and the first sports organization of its kind, with men’s and women’s teams competing under one umbrella with equal pay. To learn more about Premier Rugby Sevens, go to PRSevens.com and follow the league on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
# # #
Contact: Eric Nemeth
Premier Rugby Sevens
[email protected]
