By Jackie Finlan

The USA Women’s National Team has named its 34-player roster for the November test series, which FloRugby will be live-streaming in its entirety, and the selections came on the back of Rob Cain’s countrywide tour, a circuit that took the new Eagle coach from coastline to coastline for more than a month straight. 

The Englishman not only has a better understanding of the domestic game shaping the player pool but is also better connected to the people preparing players for international play.

Watch The Rugby Weekend LIVE on FloRugby, Including USA WNT vs New Zealand

“For me, coming from a different country … this has been an invaluable experience and great learning process for me,” Cain said earlier in the week after settling back into the San Diego headquarters. “It was a mix of us wanting to see what a normal day, week, looked like [for players] and to see people in their environments.”

Cain’s stops revolved around the Women’s Premier League (WPL) schedule, but due to timing, the coach wasn’t able to visit all 10 cities. He did, however, see every team play and intends to visit every club once the schedule opens back up. And being based in SoCal, the coach will be in close proximity to the Chula Vista and 7s residents.

“It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see”Roll on our next adventure together. Huge thank you to @WPLRugby @NIRArugby #D1Eliterugby for all their hard work supporting the players international ambitions ?#3insteadof4 #allinthistogether @USAWomenEagles #Excited https://t.co/APEyk4j8uh

— Rob Cain (@Rc1Beast) October 4, 2018

“I was really impressed,” Cain said of the WPL’s level of play. “It was nice see every team aspire to play their own style of rugby instead of trying to mimic each other or copy how the Eagles play. And individuals really expressed themselves and put their hand up. ‘I’m here, just pick me.’”

Cain indicated that he and his staff added individuals to the Eagle player pool every week, and all of that data – like individual development programs – is being entered into a tracking system alongside existing members, which include age grade and collegiate players. 

Cain also visited Dartmouth, Harvard, Army, Penn State, Central Washington, Lindenwood, Life, Cal, and Yale, and took in the Black Knights vs Crimson game. Life West wasn’t in session when Cain was in NorCal, but he got time with pool players like Catie Benson and Nikki Kenyon, both named to the touring squad. The coach also worked with the Minnesota Valkyries to meet Girls High School All-American Director Martha Daines.

“It’s also about building connections,” Cain said. “We wanted to sit down and really talk to coaches not only about their players but coaching and S&C and different philosophies and different ways to empower players. It was really interesting to get their insight into the women’s game – their challenges, their excitement.”

Thank you to everyone that has been so welcoming on our last adventure #collaborative #GrowthMindset #peoplespotting #3insteadof4 #makingmemories #rugbyweekend #alwayslearning #trainforcakes pic.twitter.com/wJDaKOZmmT

— Rob Cain (@Rc1Beast) September 20, 2018

Cain and staff are currently in November preparation mode, but afterward, they’ll process everything they’ve experienced and have more comprehensive conversations about the program’s range of goals and how to get there. The staff will obviously have more data after the tour, which includes New Zealand (Nov. 3), England (Nov. 9), and Ireland (Nov. 18), as well as a USA A fixture against England A on Nov. 13.

“I won’t stop working until Christmas,” said Cain, who is the WNT’s first-ever full-time head coach.

And with that full-time status, Cain eluded to a much more detailed HP program that in years past, as well as more a heavier test load. And when he phoned pool members of their selection – or omission – from tour, he reminded players that there will be plenty of more opportunities to prove oneself.

✈️???Great week watching & coaching the talent we have in our domestic game✅Exciting high tempo rugby✅Great team & individual celebration moments✅Smiles as players added to the pool✅Thankyou to all the players coaches & supporters?#opportunity #innercompetition #Smiles pic.twitter.com/6UR4aalgxc

— Rob Cain (@Rc1Beast) September 2, 2018

“When you speak to players, it’s a fantastic reaction,” Cain said of weekend calls to tour selections. “And players who weren’t invited were really positive and understand how we value them. The timing just wasn’t right at the moment.”

Many selections compete in the WPL, and the national championship – which FloRugby will also live-stream on Oct. 26 and Oct. 28 – occurs the weekend prior to The Rugby Weekend. From Atlanta, players will depart immediately for Chicago for a five-day assembly. Preparation-wise, players are focusing on conditioning and some rugby detail, but provided players are healthy, they’ll be in good test shape.