Tom Billups is one of the leading rugby minds in the United States. He started his rugby career in college and since has played for the USA Eagles in 7's and test rugby as well as playing professionally in New Zealand, the U.S. and Great Britain. After haning up his boots, Billups coached the USA Eagles and is currently assistant coach at the University of California – Berkeley.
Rugby players today have all the proper tools to become better players if they can provide an honest evaluation of their performances and always strive to improve at every aspect of the game. Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups, in his last column, looks at what it takes and urges players to never ‘stand still’ in their development as a rugby player.
Rugby is a demanding contact field sport and players need to regularly monitor their fatigue levels and make sure they get the proper amount of down time away from the rugby pitch. Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups explains how to evaluate your players and make sure each one gets some summertime rest.
The summer months are filled with rugby sevens tournaments but the preparation for 7's requires a unique approach due to the high intensity and stress put on the players. Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups examines the best training methodology to adopt for your team.
2011 was an incredible year for Blaine Scully. The senior fullback helped captain the Cal Bears to a second undefeated untied season made a significant contribution with the U.S. National Team, and was selected to the first ever rugby sevens squad for the Pan American Games. Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups took a moment to speak to Scully about the busy year.
The drift defense is one of the most effective defenses that a rugby club can use and part of the power in the defense is its flexibility. Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups explains the drift defense and gives teaching progressions on how to implement.
USA Rugby is entering an exciting new period with Mike Tolkin recently named new head coach of the Eagles. Former Eagles coach and Rugby Rugby contributor Tom Billups gives his insights at some of the issues that need to be tackled so the team can be successful.
The IRB recently published the statistical review from the 2011 Rugby World Cup and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups takes a look at the numbers and gives his insights with his conclusion that the game is in good shape and players need to be as well.
Quick play with crisp passing, creative running lines are a joy to watch but slow-ball tactics are required for teams to be successful and frequently overlooked and Rugby Rugby's Tom Billups breaks down some slow ball techniques.
The team culture within a rugby team is an important but often overlooked aspect of how well a team plays. Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups explains the importance of team culture and explains how to establish a positive team culture.
After taking some time to let the dust settle on the Rugby World Cup, Rugby Rugby Tom Billups re-visits the quadrennial event and after evaluating tackle contest, scrum engagements, the laws and their application and refereeing believes this Rugby World Cup one of the best.
The short turnaround time between Rugby World Cup matches has been a talking point in New Zealand and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups gives his suggestions on how best to ‘win the interval’ between matches and give your side the best chances for success.
Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups has been a part of the Rugby World Cup as a player and coach and he takes a look at the achievement of all those who will be headed to New Zealand this fall.
Rugby has a unique ability to teach life lessons to players and one of the most important lessons is to never quit. Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups explains why this is so important to the game of rugby.
Rugby is not the #1 sport in Iowa but native Tom Billups looks at the impact the state has made to the game and what Chris Draper is doing with the Iowa High School Rugby Association to make the state a rugby hotbed.
Sevens rugby isn’t terribly technical in comparison to fifteen a side rugby, but teams must appreciate the importance of two very important areas - tackling and turnovers - if they are going to have a chance to be successful this summer and Rugby Rugby's Tom Billups looks at these aspects of the game.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The Barbarians are one of the top invitational rugby sides with a long history and classic rugby jersey.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Lions get ready for their matches with this green training jersey. It's what the players wear. Get in the Gear!
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The Lions are ready to get their Australia tour underway. They arrive in Perth on Monday.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
