New York 7s Rosters

            

FOR RELEASE:

November 27 2015

Stars Rugby 7s is making its debut at New York 7s back-to-back after the Atlanta Life Rugby XVs tour last weekend. The Men's and Women's Premier teams met up Friday in New Jersey where they were hosted by the Morris Rugby Corporation for training and a STARBQ benefiting the girls high school program.

Games kickoff at Randall's Island Saturday morning with the following schedule, both teams are in Pool B of the Premier Brackets:

10:20am Women vs NE Academy 1 Field 74

11:00am Men vs Quebec Field 75

11:40am Women vs Scion Field 75

12:00pm Men vs Bulldog Field 74

1:00pm Women vs Mexico Field 74

1:40pm Men vs Mexico Field 74

3:00pm Women’s Cup Semis A1 v B2 Field 74, A2 v B1 Field 75

3:20pm Men’s Cup Semi A2 v B1 Field 75

3:40pm Men’s Cup Semi A1 v B2 Field 75

4:40pm Women’s Cup Final Field 75

5:10pm Men’s Cup Final Field 75

Women:

Vivian Bahlmann - Germany 7s

Justina DeBruzzi - Minnesota Valkyries

Ally Dykes - Roger Williams University

Emilia Ferrara - Notre Dame College 

Kat Gorham - North Shore Rugby

Grace Hovde - Wisconsin Women

Courtney Jessamy - Charlotte Rugby

Kassi Shultice - University of Northern Iowa

Emily Speyer - unattached

Sarah Thomas - Wisconsin Women 

Coach: Marcus Satavu

Director: Liz Entwhistle

Men:

Sonny Adjei - Chicago Lions 

Zach Blalock - Birmingham Vultures

Matt Lancor - Chicago Lions

Nick Laws - Sunnybank (Australia)

Diego Maquieira - Mystic River

Kieran McGuire - USMMA

Steve McGuire - USMMA 

Austin Mennen - Blackhawk Rugby

Enrique Palafox - Central Coast Beach Dogs

Meli Ratumaimuri - EPA Razorbacks

John Wesley - USMAA

Coach: Nemani Delaibatiki

Director: Liz Entwhistle

Stars Rugby 7s would like to thank the following tour sponsors: Washington Irish RFC, Dragon Rugby Academy, Women's Old Blue RFC, W1823, Palmer College Rugby, Teliczan Construction, Optimum Health & Performance, Erica Black Wellness, All American Training Center, Paladin Sports, Rugby 12, Budd Bay Promotions & Apparel,  USA Rugby Club, Viking Kayak NZ, and SweatX.

About Stars Rugby 7s: 
Stars Rugby 7s was founded in November 2013 with the mission of developing rugby 7s players in elite tournament settings. Teams compete in multiple high performance assemblies and international tournaments each year with a deep talent pool combining internationally capped 7s and 15s players, elite prospects, athletically gifted players new to the game of 7s, and crossover athletes. There is a major focus on recruiting players that lack regular exposure to high level coaching /playing opportunities due to geographic restraints and the lack of resources which varies greatly throughout the United States. While mostly US based, the Stars rosters include players from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK and welcomes any players committed to the team and rugby camaraderie. Tours have included the Las Vegas Invitational, Calgary Stampede 7s, Australia Central Coast 7s, Tobago 7s, Serevi Rugbytown 7s, and Atlanta 7s with numerous championship appearances and titles won.

                                  

Stars Rugby XVs Rosters for Life U

                                     
              

FOR RELEASE:
November 21st 2015

Stars Rugby 7s has assembled for their inaugural XVs tour for matches against Life University's ARP Champion Men's Elite Training Group and nationally ranked women's undergraduate team. The men have remained undefeated in their fall campaign in matches against Old Blue, NYAC, Boston Irish Wolfhounds, Boston Rugby and USA Rugby South Panthers. The women have nearly equaled that mark with a strong fall seasons competing against fellow varsity teams Army, Quinnipiac, Lindenwood and Notre Dame College.

The women's team debuts several new players to Stars tour as tight five specialists and collegiate players have combined with the veteran complement of players. Several players from the Augusta Furies who impressed at Nationals have joined the squad while D2 Women's Cub MVP Justine Wypych adds impressive speed to the back three:

Danielle Berkowsky - Atlanta Harlequins
Madeline Berry - University of Regina (Canada)
Ali Borowsky - Chicago North Shore
Nicole Burr - Augusta Furies
Kristine Devine - Augusta Furies
Judy Dickson - Atlanta Harlequins (VC)
Liz Entwhistle - Fort Miami 
Emilia Ferrara - Notre Dame College 
Jen Harig - Grand Rapids Gazelles (C)
Charli Jacoby - Chicago North Shore 
Dakota Jeppson - University of Northern Iowa
Nikki Kenyon - Life West Gladiators
Jamila Reinhardt - Augusta Furies
Megan Salyars - University of Northern Iowa
Keta Sutton - Atlanta Harlequins 
Amy Verdonik - University of Scranton 
Brittany White - Minnesota Valkyries
Kassidi Wynter - Atlanta Harlequins
Justine Wypych - Wisconsin Rugby Club 

Coach: Markus Valovalo - Kansas City Blues
Health & Wellness: Erica Black - Erica Black Wellness
Physio: Sarah Hayden - Life University 
Director: Liz Entwhistle

The men's team returns several players from the Tobago 7s,  LVI, Stampede 7s and Rugbytown 7s rosters. Similar specialists have been brought in for the tight five with players like Anthony Parry seen at the Columbus Eagles Tracking Camp, Diego Maquieria from the NE ODA, Shon Curtis a standout former U-20 prop/second row, Eagle Veteran Brodie Orth, and numerous members of the Florida High Performance Program. Nick Laws of Sunnybank Rugby has made the trek over from Australia for 3 weeks worth of Stars tours.

Sonny Adjei - Chicago Lions 
Ethan Baldino - Naples Hammerheads
Shon Curtis - Park City Haggis
Amro Gouda - Charlotte Rugby Club 
Mike Fletcher - Washington DC Irish 
Matt Guest - Little Rock Stormers
Jonathan Halter - Gainseville Hogs (VC)
Jeffrey Herron - Tampa Krewe
Nick Laws - Sunnybank Rugby (Australia)
Diego Maquieria - Mystic River
Austin Mennen - Blackhawk Rugby
Brodie Orth - Kansas City Blues
Enrique Palafox - Central Coast Beach Dogs
Anthony Parry - Columbus Rugby Club 
Tyler Pigott -  Naples Hammerheads
Meli Ratumaimuri - EPA Razorbacks
Jamil Robinson - Columbus Rugby Club
Adrian Salazar - Miami Rugby Club
William Whitehead Jr - Kansas City Blues

Coach: Markus Valovalo - Kansas City Blues
Health & Wellness: Erica Black - Erica Black Wellness
Physio: Sarah Hayden - Life University 
Director: Liz Entwhistle

Stars Rugby 7s would like to thank the following tour sponsors: Washington Irish RFC, Dragon Rugby Academy, Women's Old Blue RFC, W1823, Palmer College Rugby, Teliczan Construction, Optimum Health & Performance, Erica Black Wellness, All American Training Center, Paladin Sports, Rugby 12, Budd Bay Promotions & Apparel,  USA Rugby Club, Viking Kayak NZ, and SweatX.



About Stars Rugby 7s: 
Stars Rugby 7s was founded in November 2013 with the mission of developing rugby 7s players in elite tournament settings. Teams compete in multiple high performance assemblies and international tournaments each year with a deep talent pool combining internationally capped 7s and 15s players, elite prospects, athletically gifted players new to the game of 7s, and crossover athletes. There is a major focus on recruiting players that lack regular exposure to high level coaching /playing opportunities due to geographic restraints and the lack of resources which varies greatly throughout the United States. While mostly US based, the Stars rosters include players from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK and welcomes any players committed to the team and rugby camaraderie. Tours have included the Las Vegas Invitational, Calgary Stampede 7s, Australia Central Coast 7s, Tobago 7s, Serevi Rugbytown 7s, and Atlanta 7s with numerous championship appearances and titles won.

UPDATED: UON Central Coast 7s Roster

FOR RELEASE:
23 October 2015



Stars Rugby 7s has spent a week training in Australia, spending time in Brisbane, Byron Bay, and the Central Coast to prepare for the elite Central Coast 7s tournament. The tournament draws some of the top national teams and representational sides from around the world including Australia Developmental 7s, New Zealand Developmental 7s, Canada MapleLeafs, Fijiana, Sunnybank (Australia) RuGirl 7s (Japan) and more.



With the current USA 7s selection camp being held at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, the busy WPL and collegiate fall championships, many of the normal Stars USA player pool were unavailable for selection for the return to CC7s. The Stars Rugby 7s global network (and a fair bit of social media) prevailed to produce a powerful side featuring elite women's rugby players from 5 different countries with numerous 7s and 15s caps amongst them. Injuries did take their toll and eliminated players Georgia Page, Beth Stratton, and Kristy Giteau from the original roster while work & school circumstances prevented Fehi Schaaf, Kate Porter, Nicole Benedetti and Nikki Kenyon from attending.

Nevertheless, the Stars were able to secure the services of many guest players recommended by Tribe 7s Director Don Caslick and Australia Developmental 7s  Coach Nath McMahon. It is a testament to the character and dedication of all these athletes in how quickly the team has come together for focused training sessions around the Central Coast - the team returned to Avoca to train with Paul Briggs, to Terrigal for a session with Nath McMahon, and has been guided (literally, as the team's brave driver on the opposite side of the road) by Stars Director of Coaching Vaha Esikia.

The team's motto throughout tour has been EMBRACE THIS CHALLENGE and the ladies have done it - braving sessions on the beach in Byron Bay, training in the in rain in Wyong & Avoca, and attacking the hill at The Haven in Terrigal. There was some extra speed training via the pelicans at The Entrance as well for a bit our tourist fun. Long days have been balanced with recovery work, chiropractic care, acupuncture, taping, and treatments courtesy of team physio Alex Flohr.


Pool play matches commence on Saturday 24 October with the Stars seeded in Pool D. The women kickoff against Fijiana at 12:20pm (9:20pm Friday NYC), followed by last year's scrimmage mates Central Coast Academy of Sport at 3:20pm (12:20am Saturday NYC), and finishing the day with last year's Bowl Final opponent  Sunnybank at 6:00pm (3:00am Saturday NYC). The Cup Quarterfinals kick off Sunday at 10:00am in a crossover with Pool A (Canada, Aussie B, Manly, Ozboks) with additional games to follow.



Stars Rugby 7s CC7s Final Roster:

Emily Belchos - Canada 7s (Canada)
Emily Chancellor - Sydney University/New South Wales (Australia)
Anthea Clarke - Uni North Owls (Australia)
Jannicke Ijdens - Tribe 7s/Netherlands 7s (The Netherlands)
Kirrily Laws - Liverpool Cougars (Australia)
Tiara Littleton - Life West Gladiatrix/ARPTC (USA)
Ema Masi - Queensland University (Australia)
Michelle Montague - Waikato (New Zealand)
Breanne Nicholas - Canada 7s (Canada)
Georgia Page (injured) - Queensland Reds (Australia)
Phoebe Thomas - Sunnybank/Tribe 7s/Queensland Reds (Australia)
Lauren Turner - Scioto Valley/W1823 (USA)
Nikki Weyers - Tribe 7s/Netherlands 7s (The Netherlands)

Head Coach: Vaha Esikia - LVRA/Rugby12
Guest Coach: Kristy Giteau - ACT Bumbies (Australia)
Physio:  Alex Flohr - Optimum Health & Performance (Australia)
Director: Liz Entwhistle - Fort Miami/W1823


Stars Rugby 7s would like to thank the following tour sponsors: Washington Irish RFC, Dragon Rugby Academy, Women's Old Blue RFC, W1823, Palmer College Rugby, Teliczan Construction, Optimum Health & Performance, Erica Black Wellness, All American Training Center, Paladin Sports, Rugby 12, Budd Bay Promotions & Apparel,  USA Rugby Club, Viking Kayak NZ, and SweatX.

About Stars Rugby 7s: 
Stars Rugby 7s was founded in November 2013 with the mission of developing rugby 7s players in elite tournament settings. Teams compete in multiple high performance assemblies and international tournaments each year with a deep talent pool combining internationally capped 7s and 15s players, elite prospects, athletically gifted players new to the game of 7s, and crossover athletes. There is a major focus on recruiting players that lack regular exposure to high level coaching /playing opportunities due to geographic restraints and the lack of resources which varies greatly throughout the United States. While mostly US based, the Stars rosters include players from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK and welcomes any players committed to the team and rugby camaraderie. Tours have included the Las Vegas Invitational, Calgary Stampede 7s, Australia Central Coast 7s, Tobago 7s, Serevi Rugbytown 7s, and Atlanta 7s with numerous championship appearances and titles won.


About Central Coast 7s:

The UON Central Coast Sevens is Australia’s premier rugby sevens festival outside of the world-series. explosive, end to end, heart racing action, with big collisions, electrifying speed & skill, featuring some of the strongest international sevens teams and sevens action in the world. The CC7s is the most prestigious and fiercely contested tournament in Australia, receiving unprecedented interest annually, attracting some of the biggest teams and biggest names in sevens, with the reputation for being one of the toughest invitational tournaments in the world to win.

CC7s #BloodyGoodRugby Fundraiser T-Shirt

Our webstore is now open for the #BloodyGoodRugby tshirts to benefit Central Coast 7s tour. Star Georgia Page earned worldwide recognition as the "Rugby Goddess" for her tenacious play at the USA Sevens CRC tournament in May. Using her toughness as a guide, Budd Bay Promotions & Apparel designed this tee to fundraise against Australia tour costs:

Sizes are unisex and shirts will ship across the USA & Canada. The team will bring shirts to Australia for pickup at Byron Bay 7s and Central Coast 7s as well as during touring time in Brisbane, Byron, Wyong & Terrigal.

Stars Rugby 7s Roster for Central Coast 7s

For Release:
10 September 2015











Stars Rugby 7s Elite Women are set to return to Australia's Central Coast 7s 24 & 25 October, 2015. After reaching the Bowl Finals in their debut in 2014 the team is looking forward to stronger showing deep into the Cup Round.

Stars Elite Women at CC7s 2014

The 2014 campaign saw the women take on the Aussie Pearls National 7s Team, the New Zealand Wasps led by NZ 7s coach Sean Horan, and Te Whanau in pool action. Day 2 saw the Stars contest the College Rifles in the Bowl semifinal and Sunnybank in the Bowl Final. The 2015 edition seeds Stars Rugby 7s with Fijiana, Sunnybank and Central Coast Academy of Sport for pool play; potential quarterfinal/semifinal opponents include the Canada Mapleleafs, Aussie Pearls, and NZ Wasps.


The team will assemble in Brisbane to being the tour in order to acclimate to the distant travel, to attend Byron Bay 7s, and to commence training. The following week includes scrimmages Brisbane with Redlands and Sunnybank (home to Stars Saxon & Cheyenne Campbell and Liz & Krystle Gemmel from the inaugural 2014 Las Vegas Invitational) and in Wyong with CCAS. Further preparations include guest coaching sessions with Paul Briggs (BrigActive, Avoca) and Australian Men's Developmental 7s/NSW Belles Coach Nath McMahon coupled with sightseeing in  Glenworth Valley, Terrigal, and Avoca, and the return of STARBQ gatherings with local teams.

Stars Rugby 7s on tour for Stampede 7s 2015

This year's roster features a completely new assembly of players as compared to 2014. 7 returning Stars feature: Nikki Kenyon (Las Vegas Invitational 2015, Stampede 7s 2015), Tiara Littleton (LVI '14 & '15, Stampede 7s '14 & '15, Tobago 7s '14, Atlanta 7s '15), Michelle Montague (Stampede 7s '14, LVI '15), Georgia Page (LVI '15), Fehi Schaaf (Tobago 7s '15), Beth Stratton (LVI '15, Atlanta 7s '15, Stampede 7s '15), and Lauren Turner (Tobago 7s '14, LVI '15). Each of these players were identified over the course of the USA Rugby 7s and XVs collegiate and club seasons and via American Pro Rugby Training Center camps.


Newcomer Nicole Benedetti was scouted for the program at the USA Rugby College XVs Nationals, as a part of NOVA 7s and of the Women's Collegiate All American 7s team at the Elite City 7s tournament. A trio of Wallaroos in Emily Chancellor, Kristy Giteau and Kate Porter are introduced courtesy of New South Wales Belle's Coach Nath McMahon - who coached USA Eagles Katie Dowty and Deven Owsiany during their time abroad. Georgia Page brought on her cousin Olivia Patterson, a crossover from netball and basketball - much like Emily Chancellor who started in netball as well. These two multifaceted athletes competed against each other in the semifinal of the Australia University Games in Rugby 7s. Phoebe Thomas rounds out the side, a familiar name in Australia Rugby courtesy of her time with Tribe 7s, Queensland Reds and Sunnybank. Thomas toured the USA in early 2015 and was able to meet with Stars during her travels.

New South Wales Belles win the Championship

Several of the Stars have competed with and against each other at numerous representative levels; the team is comprised of women with national champions, all-stars, age-grade and senior national team experience. This will be the most-capped Stars Rugby 7s team to date and the most internationally represented as well.

Nicole Benedetti - Westchester University
Emily Chancellor - Sydney University/New South Wales (Australia)
Kristy Giteau - ACT Bumbies (Australia)
Nikki Kenyon - Life West Gladiatrix
Tiara Littleton - Allen Griffins/ARPTC
Michelle Montague - Waikato (New Zealand)
Georgia Page - Queensland Reds (Australia)
Olivia Patterson - Charles Sturt University/Australian Universities (Australia)
Kate Porter - New South Wales (Australia)
Fehi Schaaf - Sacramento Amazons
Beth Stratton - ARPTC
Phoebe Thomas - Sunnybank/Tribe 7s/Queensland Reds (Australia)
Lauren Turner - Scioto Valley/W1823

Head Coach: Vaha Esikia - LVRA/Rugby12
Health & Wellness: Erica Black - Erica Black Wellness
Physio:  Alex Flohr - Optimum Health & Performance (Australia)
Director: Liz Entwhistle - Fort Miami/W1823

Stars Rugby 7s would like to thank the following tour sponsors: Washington Irish RFC, Dragon Rugby Academy, Women's Old Blue RFC, W1823, Palmer College Rugby, Teliczan Construction, Optimum Health & Performance, Erica Black Wellness, All American Training Center, Paladin Sports, Rugby 12, Budd Bay Promotions & Apparel,  USA Rugby Club,

About Stars Rugby 7s: 
Stars Rugby 7s was founded in November 2013 with the mission of developing rugby 7s players in elite tournament settings. Teams compete in multiple high performance assemblies and international tournaments each year with a deep talent pool combining internationally capped 7s and 15s players, elite prospects, athletically gifted players new to the game of 7s, and crossover athletes. There is a major focus on recruiting players that lack regular exposure to high level coaching /playing opportunities due to geographic restraints and the lack of resources which varies greatly throughout the United States. While mostly US based, the Stars rosters include players from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK and welcomes any players committed to the team and rugby camaraderie. Tours have included the Las Vegas Invitational, Calgary Stampede 7s, Australia Central Coast 7s, Tobago 7s, Serevi Rugbytown 7s, and Atlanta 7s with numerous championship appearances and titles won.


About Central Coast 7s:

The UON Central Coast Sevens is Australia’s premier rugby sevens festival outside of the world-series. explosive, end to end, heart racing action, with big collisions, electrifying speed & skill, featuring some of the strongest international sevens teams and sevens action in the world. The CC7s is the most prestigious and fiercely contested tournament in Australia, receiving unprecedented interest annually, attracting some of the biggest teams and biggest names in sevens, with the reputation for being one of the toughest invitational tournaments in the world to win.

Stars Elite Men and Women in Sydney Harbour Ahead of CC7s 2014

Rugbytown 7s Roster

14 August, 2015
FOR RELEASE:

Stars Rugby 7s is making its debut at the presitgious Rugbytown 7s tournament hosted in Glendale, Colorado. The tournament features an international field of elite teams from the USA, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean and is noted for hosting the Armed Forces Championship as well.

A week of training commenced on Monday as the Stars summited Pike's Peak and hosted a touch rugby/HIIT session at 10,000 feet to adjust to altitude. The remainder of the week incorporated two-a-day practices, pool sessions, and classroom sessions as well as a scrimmage Wednesday morning with Air Force 7s, Atlantis Rugby and El Azul. Working on mental skills through biofeedback, EFT, yoga and meditation with Health & Wellness Coach Erica Black has added another layer to Stars preparations.


Tournament play begins on Friday, August 14th at the Infinity Park with pool play matches followed by additional pool play and quarterfinals on Saturday followed by semifinals and finals on Sunday. Pool play matches include the Bermuda National Team, the host Glendale Raptors and Upright Rugby Rogues from Canada.

The 2015 Stars Rugby 7s tour features many veterans from Australia's Central Coast 7s tour, Tobago 7s, Calgary Stampede 7s and the Las Vegas Invitational:


Sonny Adjei - Chicago Lions
*Ethan Baldino - Naples Hammerheads
*Daniel Cook - Arkansas Gryphons
John Corpuz-Jackson - Old Blue/Northeast Academy
*Kyle Granby - NYAC/Northeast Academy
*Jonathan Halter - Gainseville Hogs
*Garrett Jones - Oceanside Chiefs/OMBAC
Tom Kacor - Western Michigan University/Chicago Lions
Cal Randleman - Life West Gladiators
*Jojo Tikoisuva - Metropolis/Youngbloodz
*Antoine Turner - Life West Gladiators
*Cody Weber - Kansas City Blues

Coaches:
*Vaha 'Esikia - Las Vegas Rugby Academy/Rugby 12
*Joe Lippert - Palmer College


Technical Advisor:
*Nemani Delaibatiki - unattached

Medical:
*Erica Black - Erica Black Wellness, Seattle
Elizabeth Harrison - Denver, CO

Director:
*Liz Entwhistle - Fort Miami/W1823

*indicates Stars veterans of previous tours

Stars Rugby 7s would like to thank the following tour sponsors: Washington Irish RFC, Palmer College Rugby, Teliczan Construction, Optimum Health & Performance, Erica Black Wellness, All American Training Center, Paladin Sports, Rugby 12, and USA Rugby Club.

About Stars Rugby 7s: Stars Rugby 7s was founded in November 2013 with the mission of developing rugby 7s players in elite tournament settings. Teams compete in multiple high performance assemblies and international tournaments each year with a deep talent pool combining internationally capped 7s and 15s players, elite prospects, athletically gifted players new to the game of 7s, and crossover athletes. There is a major focus on recruiting players that lack regular exposure to high level coaching /playing opportunities due to geographic restraints and the lack of resources which varies greatly throughout the United States. While mostly US based, the Stars rosters include players from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK and welcomes any players committed to the team and rugby camaraderie. Tours have included the Las Vegas Invitational, Calgary Stampede 7s, Australia Central Coast 7s, Tobago 7s, and Atlanta 7s with numerous championship appearances and titles won.