USA Rugby Release
USA Rugby High Performance Pathways has announced its coaching staff for Men’s U20 and U23 Junior National Teams.
Both programs will be overseen by former Men’s XVs National Team Head Coach Mike Tolkin who currently serves as the Director of Rugby for New York Athletic Club.
The Under-20 program will be led by Eagle Alumnus Kyle Sumsion, also the Director of Operations and Assistant Coach for Army West Point. Sumsion is supported by Colton Cariaga who leads the USA Men’s U23 program in sevens. Central Washington University’s Todd Thornley will serve as Head Coach of the Men’s Under-23 program in XVs with assistance from current Old Blue Head Coach Dom Wareing.
David Fee and Brendan Keane continue in their roles as Head Coach of the Men’s U18 programs in sevens and XVs, respectively.
Mike Tolkin
mtolkin@usa.rugby Director of Coaching – USA Men’s U20 and U23 Programs
- More than 34 years of rugby coaching experience
- Former Head Coach of USA Men’s Eagles and Rugby United New York
- Current Director of Rugby for New York Athletic Club
“I’m excited to help the United States develop the best possible squad for the world stage. It’s with great enthusiasm that I approach working with our Under-20 kand Under-23 programs, as well as their very promising and talented coaches. I’m also highly motivated to be a part of the talent identification process and to work in tandem with the Eagle coaches and high performance staff to create a streamlined pathway towards future success.”
Kyle Sumsion
ksumsion@usa.rugby
Head Coach, USA Men’s U20s in XVs
- Six international appearances as an Eagle
- Over six years of rugby coaching experience
- Current Director of Operations and Assistant Coach for Army West Point
“Pulling on the National team jersey and representing the USA is the greatest honor of one’s playing career. I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to help identify and develop our future Eagles. It’s my goal to develop quality young men on and off the field who can elevate our national team to new heights.”
Todd Thornley
tthornley@usa.rugby
Head Coach, USA Men’s U23 in XVs
- Over eight years of rugby coaching experience
- Has a strong background in strength and conditioning
- Current Head Coach of Central Washington University
“I am extremely passionate about working with the Under-23 age group in the development of tomorrow’s Eagles. In partnership with the High Performance Department, I look forward to creating an environment suited for tangible growth that strengthens the depth of the U23 age-group. It’s an honor to take on this role and I’m excited to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Dom Wareing
dwareing@usa.rugby
Assistant Coach, USA Men’s U23 in XVs
- More than 16 years of rugby coaching experience
- A World Rugby Coach educator
- Current Head Coach of Old Blue
“I believe this is the most exciting role in rugby to be able to work with the next generation of Eagles in an era when the country is really getting behind the grassroots, high school, college, club and professional games. I relish the chance to connect and work with coaches, NDP’s and scouts around the USA to build on prior success, identify improvements and contribute to the continued rise of American rugby at all levels.”
