BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby’s Coach Development Department has officially announced the dates and locations of its new Lineout Seminar featuring veteran Eagle lock and lineout specialist Luke Gross.

Luke Gross’ Lineout Seminar will focus on helping coaches to better coach the lineout safely and effectively; to understand the fundamentals of throwing, lifting and jumping; and to better learn basic offensive and defensive lineout strategies.

“I am extremely excited to give back to the sport that gave me so much,” Gross said. “It’s my goal to give coaches and players a better understanding of rugby, specifically in the lineout area, and I want to see it coached correctly through the basic fundamentals.”
From 1996-2003, Gross became the all-time leading cap recipient on the U.S. Men’s National Team, earning an impressive 62 caps with the Eagles. He returned to the Men’s National Team in 2007 and played in the team’s final Rugby World Cup tune-up versus Munster, but injuries brought his RWC 2007 to an untimely end just days before he was slated to play in what would have been his third World Cup outing with the Eagles.

Gross, who played professional rugby in Italy and throughout the UK until retiring from the game in July 2008, with National Division One club Doncaster Knights, has now returned to the U.S. to lend his expansive lineout expertise.

“In the past 12 months, Luke has been working on his coaching in the UK and has coached regularly. He has now been charged with recruiting and developing lineout play, resources and talent across the USA. He will work with all of our developing national teams and hold clinics for coaches across the country. Having played professional rugby in the UK for the past 12 years, Luke is ideally placed to develop the modern lineout techniques and strategy in the U.S.,” USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville said.

“I’m excited to get to work developing lineout skills and strategies,” Gross added. “Having played with many different individuals and under varying circumstances, I’ve gained a broad view of strategy and technique. I’m also a firm believer in adapting the lineout to fit individuals once the fundamentals are set in place.”

The dates and locations of Luke Gross’ Lineout Seminars are below. Most seminars are in conjunction with USA Rugby events and include:

May 13: Pittsburgh, PA
In conjunction with USA Rugby National Guard High School/U-19 Championships
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Contact: Matthew Rosemeyer
Director of Operations
Pittsburgh Harlequins RFA

Worth 2 CEU’s

May 31: Glendale, CO
In conjunction with USA Rugby’s Men’s Club Championships
Time: 9am-11am
Contact: J.R. Lapierre (CYR President)

Worth 2 CEU’s

June 6: Chicago, IL
In conjunction with USA Rugby’s Annual Coaching Conference “Tools, Techniques & Strategies” and the USA vs. Wales match.
Contact: Mollie McCarthy
Worth 10 CEU’s

June 13: Charlotte, NC
In conjunction with the South All-Star Championships (U17-U20)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon (paired with Rookie Rugby Educator Training)
Contact: Jonathan Worrill – Carolina Youth Rugby

Worth 2 CEU’s
August 22: Upstate NY
An extended four-hour Lineout Coaching Seminar
Time: TBD
Contact: Mike Hodgins (NYS Rugby President)

Worth 5 CEU’s

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