In this episode of the Rugby NorCal Podcast, Nate Dalena sits down with Alex Goff of Goff Rugby Report to break down the current state of American rugby at the high school and college levels.

They dive into the competitiveness of NorCal’s Premier and Single School divisions, where multiple programs are capable of winning championships and weekly results can dramatically shift rankings. The volatility is a product of strength, not weakness, and it continues to push teams to improve.

On the college side, they discuss growing parity across the country. Programs like Grand Canyon and Cal Poly are rising by offering affordability, playing time, and strong coaching environments. The recruiting landscape is expanding, and more former high-level players are stepping into coaching roles, elevating standards nationwide.

Alex also outlines what truly matters for Nationals selection. Financial stability, early applications, strength of schedule, sportsmanship, and roster integrity all play critical roles. Teams looking to compete at the highest level need to plan ahead, both administratively and competitively.

The conversation closes with a call to action for NorCal programs to proactively schedule cross-regional games during MLK and Presidents Day weekends. Building relationships with programs from colder climates and other regions will elevate competition and prepare teams for national-level play.

If you care about rankings, nationals, recruiting, and the long-term growth of the sport, this is a must-listen episode.

For coverage updates or corrections, listeners are encouraged to reach out directly to Alex Goff.

And don’t forget to support the USA Women’s Eagles on April 11 at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.