Scott Lawrence’s Moonshot 2031: Inside the Vision to Lead USA Rugby to World Cup Glory

For US Eagle fans, we are just over a year into the launch of Moonshot 2031.  For those that are unfamiliar, this is Eagle’s Head Coach Scott Lawrence’s VISION to get our boys into the 2031 Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals when the USA plays host to the world.  It is audacious.  It is meticulous. It is bold.  It is intentional.  It is also unlike any other US Eagle Head Coach’s effort because it is an eight-year plan that is clearly laid out.

From the time that Scott was announced as our Men’s National Team Head Coach in January of 2023, I supported him.  This is based on his track record and understanding of the American rugby landscape.  Afterall, he is a product of this landscape as both a player and coach.  In 2011 he was the head coach of our Men’s U20 team at the Junior World Trophy Championships in Georgia.  The Eagles performed poorly and on the return flight, he conceived a plan to turn our fortunes around.  In 2012, the US played host to the Tier 2 competition in Salt Lake City, UT.  He coached the team to a 37-33 championship finals victory over Japan.  In addition, he had a direct and indirect hand in 3 XV’s CRAA National Championships and 6 Finals appearances at Life University.  And he followed that up by leading Rugby ATL to a MLR Finals appearance against the LA Giltinis in 2021.  The bottom line is that Scott has had success at every stop.

Obviously, his stint as the Eagles HC is a challenge like no other.  But Scott likes a challenge, and he is different from any Eagles coach in recent history.  As in prior stops, he has a plan, and he has mapped out his VISION to help the Eagles soar to new heights in 2031.  If you have not had an opportunity, check out Moonshot 2031 here You will be able to see Scott’s VISION in detail.  What is missing is how his selections fit into this meticulous plan.  It is my intent to explain how his selections are purpose built to meet his overall vision.  I am not suggesting that he include how he will make selections at each step.  It is impossible to do such a thing with injuries, availability, and life changes being impossible to plan.  In the next few installments of In Touch, I will attempt to shed light on how he has crafted his roster selections in each test window in an effort to adhere to his plan.  In addition, I will provide my take on what changes we are likely to see moving forward.  As such, Eagles supporters should trust this overall plan as an extension of his VISION to help us meet the challenge of 2031.

Rob Hammerschmidt "The Hammer" Dean of Students

I have always had a passion for sports having played football and wrestled at an early age. I did not find egg shaped ball until a young adult. I have been hooked ever since. After my playing days were over I was always searching for an outlet to connect with the game, not too long after I became a youth coach for my son’s team. I never thought that I would start a podcast or be involved in the professional game. The Rugby Rant started as a fun outlet but has become a labor of love. It has allowed me follow the game with some great mates… whom I never would have met without it. I also have the tremendous honor of working as the Chicago Hounds sideline reporter. 8 games a season I get to walk on the grass at Dawg Town and provide folks at home with a glimpse of what it is like to be there beside me.

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