Although he only graduated from Cal this last spring Seamus Kelly is already an experienced Eagle with 11 caps to his name. Kelly has all the makings of a terrific rugby player and has been an All-American at every level. Now he's turned his attention to playing for the Eagles in the World Cup and landing a professional contract. He's currently on trial where we caught up with him to find out how the trial came about and how the experience has gone.
TIAR: How did the trial with Gloucester come about?
Seamus Kelly: The Trial came about through an agent, Gloucester has had some injuries to a few outside backs and was looking for some cover there.
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TIAR: So far what has the experience been like? What's different than say high performance camps in the U.S.?
SK: Its been a great experience so far, as well as a challenging one. Training alongside the likes of some well established international and premiership players has been extremely beneficial and like I said very challenging. I would say the main difference is the time together. In a full time professional environment trainings are shorter and more precise, due to the players familiarity with each other and team systems that have been put in place early in preseason. Eagle assembles, especially the first week together, have a very tough task. Getting re-acclimated to each other and eagles systems, no matter how experienced takes time—something there is very little of.
TIAR: You've played in the 'A' League a couple of times now. What feedback have you received on your performances?
SK: I’ve had the chance to play in two A league matches thus far, and feedback has been mostly positive. Still a lot of work to be done, and I’m still working towards getting to know the guys I’m playing beside as well as the way Gloucester is looking to play rugby.
TIAR: There are now quite a few players from Cal playing professionally overseas. What is it about the program that you think helps players reach that level?
SK: Cal Rugby takes a very professional approach to the way the program is run. From training structures to things as simple as a notebook required at all team meetings it all matters, and its all geared towards building a team that holds itself to high, professional like, standards. So I think playing at Cal can make the challenging transition into a full time professional environment far less foreign and stressful.
TIAR: What's it been like having Danny Barrett around?
SK: Great to have Danny around! He’s one of the best athletes I’ve played along side, and no doubt a familiar face is extremely helpful to have both at training and in competition.
TIAR: How important do you think this stint at Gloucester has been to help get you ready for the fall internationals?
SK: I think it is very important, training full time at a high level will make the transition to international test match rugby easier than in the past and hopefully I have made some strides in my game by that time to give me the best chance possible to be selected.
TIAR: How much are you looking forward to the All Blacks match?
SK: Any opportunity as an athlete and a competitor you get to face the best of the best is something you relish. So I am extremely excited. I think it will be a huge day for rugby in the United States and I know we are looking forward to the challenge.
TIAR: Lastly, if you aren't able to sign with Gloucester what are your plans? Have you given any thoughts to 7s?
SK: Plans would be to look for other opportunities overseas, so that I am best prepared to make the world cup squad and make a real impact on rugby’s biggest stage. The 7s program has a very talented group of athletes to choose from, and by all accounts it's a great- extremely tough-environment. But I have not given any thoughts to 7s.