Set Piece Pod

The countdown is ON for Tropical 7s 2026 🌴🏉 — and this episode of Set Piece Pod takes you inside the fastest-growing rugby sevens tournament in the Americas.Hosted by Shawn Stringham, this episode features:Robin MacDowell (McDougall Rugby Academy)Dallen Stanford (World-class rugby commentator)Brogan Mior (Canada Sevens International 🇨🇦)John Siner (Executive Director, Tropical 7s)With 250+ teams from around the world, Tropical 7s has become more than a tournament — it’s a global rugby festival, a recruiting pipeline, and a launchpad to the international stage.In this episode, we break down:Why Tropical 7s is called “Rugby Heaven”How players get scouted + recruited (even to schools like Harvard)The role of Tropical 7s in the Olympic pathway (LA 2028)What makes this year the BIGGEST event yetThe new Tropical 7s Live Show + global broadcast experienceFrom youth athletes to international caps, this is where careers take off.“Tropical 7s is where I got recruited… it changed everything.”Whether you're a player, coach, or fan — this is THE event to watch in 2026.⏱ Chapters (Cleaned + Professional)0:00 – Intro: Tropical 7s 20260:30 – Meet the Guests1:20 – What Makes Tropical 7s Special2:10 – Playing in “Rugby Heaven” 🌴3:20 – Growth to 250+ Teams4:20 – From Tropical 7s to Team Canada 🇨🇦6:00 – The Story Behind Jersey #977:00 – Coaching & Player Development Pathways9:00 – Global Rugby Community Impact11:00 – Balancing Harvard + Elite Rugby12:10 – Olympic Pathway (LA 2028)13:10 – Inside McDougall Rugby Academy17:10 – Why Players Keep Coming Back19:30 – What Sets Tropical 7s Apart21:00 – NEW Live Show + Broadcast23:30 – Growth of Women’s Rugby 📈24:40 – Final Thoughts

This is bigger than a tournament… this is where rugby’s future is built 👀In Episode 4 of the Set Piece Pod, we’re joined by Ben Webber, Alycia Washington (USA Eagle), and John Siner (Executive Director of Tropical7s) as we count down to one of the BIGGEST rugby events in the world.🏉 Tropical7s is taking over Tampa:230+ teams, 3,000 athletes, 10,000+ attendeesInternational competition from Australia, Europe, Caribbean & moreA true festival of rugby — not just a tournament🎥 And this year changes everything:FULL tournament coverage on GOLSLaunch of Tropical7s Live (new live show 👀)Global broadcast on RugbyPassThis episode dives into:Why Tropical7s is becoming a global rugby destinationHow players get seen by college & national team scoutsThe REAL pathway from youth rugby → world stageWhy this event is shaping the future of U.S. rugby👇 Drop a comment:Would YOU want to play in Tropical7s?📲 Follow along:@GameOnLiveStudio#Tropical7s #RugbyHeaven⏱️ Chapters00:00 Intro00:25 Countdown to Tropical7s begins01:32 Guest intros (Webber, Washington, Siner)02:33 What makes Tropical7s special 👀03:14 Biggest tournament in the Americas 🔥04:19 Festival vibes + event experience05:19 Divisions from U12 → elite competition06:31 International teams & global reach 🌍07:31 What teams need to prepare for08:44 Why this event is more than rugby09:45 NEW: Tropical7s Live show 🎥11:03 Inside the broadcast + production12:28 Why this changes rugby media13:51 Player stories + pathway to the top15:24 From youth player → world stage 🌍16:49 Why athletes should take this seriously18:09 Exposure to scouts + opportunities20:29 What players gain from media coverage22:15 Why this builds legitimacy for rugby24:24 Bigger vision: USA Rugby + World Cup 🇺🇸26:29 International play at youth level29:08 Behind the scenes of the event30:09 700+ matches, 15 fields 🤯31:01 Referee program + development32:18 Merch, vendors, and fan experience34:05 Training days + athlete combine35:23 How to watch EVERY game on GOLS36:36 Social media + fan content 📲39:03 Final thoughts from guests47:12 Outro

Welcome back to The Set Piece Pod, the rugby podcast from Game On Live Studio (GOLS) breaking down Utah high school rugby, the biggest matchups, standout players, and what to watch next.In Episode 2, hosts Shawn Stringham and Ben Weber recap the Game of the Week featuring Harriman vs East, a dominant performance that showcased Harriman’s structure, physicality, and depth. The guys break down key moments, explain rugby strategy for new fans, and highlight players who made a huge impact.They also preview the upcoming triple-header Game of the Week featuring Mountain View vs American Fork (Cavemen) and discuss how injuries could impact Mountain View’s lineup heading into one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.If you're new to rugby or a longtime fan of Utah Youth Rugby, this episode gives you insight into the tactics, culture, and players shaping the season.📺 Watch Utah Rugby Games LIVE and FREEDownload the GOLS App or visit https://gols.co📲 Send us clips, highlights, and team storiesDM us on Instagram: @gameonls🏉 Topics in this episode:Harriman vs East game breakdownRugby strategy explained (kicking, territory, phases)Player of the Match highlightsUpcoming Mountain View vs Cavemen matchupUtah Youth Rugby updates and games to watchChapters00:00 – Intro to Set Piece Pod Episode 200:25 – Harriman vs East Game of the Week recap01:30 – Production and broadcast highlights from the game02:00 – Where to watch Utah rugby games (GOLS app)02:25 – Harriman’s game strategy and physical play03:30 – Respect for the game and rugby culture04:50 – Rugby substitutions and player safety explained07:20 – Player shoutouts and Man of the Match08:50 – Rugby kicking strategy explained12:00 – Biggest surprise from the Harriman vs East matchup14:10 – Game of the Week preview: Mountain View vs Cavemen15:20 – Breaking down both teams and key players16:40 – Mountain View injury concerns17:40 – Cavemen strengths and players to watch18:30 – JV, varsity, and youth team structure explained19:30 – Utah rugby results and standout teams20:40 – Upcoming girls rugby matchup preview21:20 – Where to watch games and follow updates22:10 – Coaching mindset after big wins and losses23:20 – Community highlights and how to submit clips24:55 – Outro: Go Be Great

Utah Youth Rugby is heating up 🔥 — and Week 3 might be the most telling yet.In this episode of the Set Piece Pod, Shawn Stringham and Ben Weber break down a HUGE weekend across Utah rugby — from a national-level girls matchup to dominant performances, rising teams, and a conference championship that could shake up the rankings.🏉 What’s inside this episode:Majestic vs United (Top teams in the COUNTRY 👀)Cavemen rugby making a statement (and taking the #1 spot)Ranking controversies + rising programs to watchLCA vs Highland preview (Game of the Week 💥)The growth of Utah Youth Rugby & why it mattersThis is where the future of rugby is built.And trust us — you’ll want to know these teams now.👇 Drop a comment:Who’s the REAL #1 team in Utah right now?📲 Tag us in your clips → @GameOnLiveStudioWe want to feature YOUR team next.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Intro00:25 Week 3 kickoff + what’s ahead01:08 Girls Game Breakdown: Majestic vs United02:30 National-level talent in Utah 👀03:49 Key takeaways + standout players04:12 Cavemen vs Mountain View recap05:19 Cavemen dominance + future stars06:02 Program trends (JV → Varsity pipeline)06:24 Updated rankings + #1 debate 🔥07:28 Cavemen vs Herriman discussion08:10 Women’s rankings breakdown09:19 Top 5 teams to watch09:42 Game of the Week preview: LCA vs Highland10:47 Strength vs speed matchup ⚔️11:48 Why this game matters for rankings12:21 Rising teams + biggest surprises13:27 Teams to watch outside Top 515:23 Community shoutouts + growth of rugby16:13 Final thoughts + season outlook17:01 Sideline vibes + rugby culture in Utah17:18 Outro + Game of the Week reminder

Utah Youth Rugby is kicking off the 2026 season, and the Set Piece Pod is here to break it all down.Host Shawn Stringham is joined by rugby analyst Ben Webber to preview the season, explain the new conference structure, highlight top teams, and discuss the culture that makes rugby one of the most unique sports communities in the world.They also preview the first Game of the Week matchup: Herriman vs East, discuss early rankings, and share which teams could surprise this season.If you love rugby or want to learn the game, this episode is the perfect place to start.00:00 Intro00:27 Launch of Set Piece Pod01:14 Meet Ben Weber02:38 Growth of Rugby in Utah04:12 2026 Season Structure05:01 Great Salt Lake Conference07:05 Utah Lake Conference08:00 Zion National Conference09:08 Pioneer Trail Conference10:20 Girls Conferences Breakdown13:18 Early Rankings Discussion18:11 Girls Rankings19:16 Game of the Week Preview21:51 What to Watch in the Match23:04 Why Rugby Is Special26:25 Final Thoughts

SummaryThe conversation centers around the upcoming LIT 7s tournament in Florida, marking the first event of its kind in the United States. Ellaine Gelman, CEO of LIT 7s, discusses the growth of rugby sevens both in the UK and the US, the excitement surrounding the event, and the importance of international competition. The dialogue also highlights the unique aspects of rugby sevens, the event experience for players and fans, and the challenges of establishing rugby in the US. Ellaine shares her vision for the future of rugby sevens, emphasizing the need for more tournaments and opportunities for players.TakeawaysLIT 7s is expanding to the US with a tournament in Florida.Rugby Sevens is growing rapidly in the UK and the US.The event aims to replicate the excitement of international tournaments like Dubai Sevens.Women's rugby is the fastest growing segment in the sport globally.Rugby Sevens is a fast-paced, exciting game that appeals to spectators.The tournament will feature teams from across the US and hopes to attract international teams in the future.Streaming all matches will provide exposure for players and teams.Fan engagement is crucial for the success of the event.Challenges include infrastructure and familiarity with rugby in the US.The future vision includes expanding rugby sevens across all states.Chapters00:00Introduction to LIT 7s and Its Origins03:42Rugby Sevens: A Growing Sport in the US06:31The International Scene of Rugby Sevens09:35The Impact of the Olympics on Rugby Sevens12:32Event Experience and Highlights15:53Streaming and Its Importance for Growth17:36Teams and Competitions at LIT 7s18:26Fan Engagement and Social Media Strategy32:15Challenges of Bringing Rugby to the U.S.33:01The Importance of Rugby Tournaments38:03Integrating Rugby Cultures40:35Getting Started in Rugby42:45Event Details and Expectations44:25Keys to Team Success46:14Accessing the Event and Coverage50:16Future Vision for Rugby Sevens